Experts Call On Scottish Authorities To Continue Good Work

Serious injury lawyers in Scotland have welcomed new figures which show a fall in the number of deaths and injuries on the country’s roads, but urged authorities to ensure that efforts continue to improve safety standards.

Government figures have revealed that the number of people killed in road incidents in 2011 fell by 11 per cent in 2011, with a five per cent drop also recorded in serious injuries.

Transport minister Keith Brown added that road death and injury figures are now at their lowest level, with the numbers marking a reduction of almost 50 per cent from 2001.

Legal specialists at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office have vast expertise acting for drivers, passengers and pedestrians who have suffered serious injuries as a result of crashes on the roads, as well as the families of those killed in such incidents.

Elaine Russell, a Partner and serious injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “These figures reflect the huge steps that have been taken in addressing the dangers on roads up and down Scotland, highlighting that the initiatives and campaigns launched to tackle this issue have had an impact.

“However, it must be remembered that behind every fatality statistic is a family and community which is devastated by the loss of a loved one. Because of this, work must continue to make further improvements on road safety. Quite simply, any number of deaths and injuries is too many.

“We work with a huge number of people who have had their lives turned upside as a result of serious injuries they have suffered in road collisions, helping them and their families to seek answers over the ordeals they have endured and gain access to vital funds which aid them in their care and rehabilitation.

“Any reduction in injuries and deaths is a step in the right direction but the improvements seen cannot lead to complacency. We hope that the Government and other road authorities can continue to build on the good work done so far to ensure that Scotland’s roads become safer for both motorists and pedestrians.”