General Insurance Article - Road casualty statistics 2024

 Figures released today by the Department for Transport shows that 1,602 people were killed on Britain’s roads last year.

 Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, says: “Every death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy. Sadly, the figures show that little to no improvement to reduce the number of people injured on our roads, and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive road safety strategy. Motorcyclist fatalities rose by 8% in a year, while pedestrian deaths increased by 1%. More needs to be done to help protect vulnerable road users to ensure they get to their destinations safely.”

 Rural roads remain a particular risk for young drivers, with 49% killed or seriously injured on them, compared to 42% for other drivers. One in six (17%) of younger drivers involved in a serious crash were not wearing their seatbelt, compared to 6% for those aged 50 and above.

 Cousens continues: “These figures highlight the continued concern about young, novice drivers and their passengers. Implementing certain changes, such as limiting new drivers under the age of 21 from carrying peer aged passengers for a short term of six months after passing their test could save lives.”