DfT Figures Highlight Three Per Cent Drop In Road Fatalities

The number of people killed in road accidents across the UK in the year ending June 2013 fell by three per cent when compared with the previous 12 months.

This is according to new figures released this month (7 November) by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Some 1,730 people lost their lives in road collisions over the course of the year - down from 1,785 in the year ending June 2012. The DfT also revealed a reduction in the number of serious injuries being sustained by road users and pedestrians.

Overall, 23,530 people were either killed or badly injured in 2012-13, which was a five per cent improvement on the previous year. There were 185,540 reported road casualties in total last year - a seven per cent downturn on 2011-12.

Although these figures indicate that road safety measures introduced by the government appear to be having the desired effect, there were some parts of the report that are likely to cause concern.

When comparing results from the second quarters in 2012 and 2013, the DfT discovered the number of motorcyclists and cyclists involved in fatal accidents actually increased. There was an eight per cent rise in fatal motorbike crashes and a four per cent upturn in cyclist deaths.

The DfT suggested this may have been because of significantly different weather conditions in the second quarter of 2012 and the corresponding period this year. According to the report, far more rain fell in 2012, which could have encouraged drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists to be more cautious when out on the roads.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident, our No Win No Fee personal injury lawyers could help to get the compensation, rehabilitation and support you deserve. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.

Expert Opinion

It is welcome to see a fall in the number of people being killed or seriously injured on the roads, but we cannot be complacent and more still needs to be done to improve safety, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists. <br/> <br/>"It seems to have become the “norm” in recent years for those who use bikes and motorbikes to buck the trend in terms of safety improvements. I think that this is an area that needs looking at in particular, to work out a proper response, because these are the most vulnerable of road users alongside pedestrians." Neil Whiteley - Partner