Concerns rise despite fall in road casualties

Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) have revealed a four per cent fall in the number of road fatalities during 2023 compared to the previous year – although pedestrian fatalities were up six per cent.

The data also identified a 12% drop in fatalities among motorcyclists, while car occupant fatalities was down by five per cent.

In total, 29,643 people were killed or seriously injured in road incidents last year, with males making up 75% of fatalities and 61% of serious casualties.

When it comes to the sex of those involved, 75% of fatalities and 61% of casualties of all severities were male.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “While there has been a slight decline in the year-on-year number of road users killed in crashes, the larger proportion of pedestrian fatalities, which is now at its highest since before the pandemic, should be a red flag to the government signifying just how dangerous our roads still are.

“It’s extremely concerning that these figures have risen in the two years since the Highway Code was changed with a view to making the roads safer for the most vulnerable users.

“In terms of overall road user casualties, it appears the youngest and oldest age groups are most at risk. The number of female fatalities between the ages of 0-16 increased by 17% compared to 2022, and the percentage for males within the same age group jumped by a third (31%) compared to the year before.”