Legal Experts React To Research Showing Rise In Deaths And Serious Injuries

New figures showing that the number of people killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads increased during 2014 demonstrate that there remains much to be done to improve safety in the country.

Transport Scotland’s research revealed there were a total of 11,240 casualties reported in 2014 with 200 of those being fatalities, which marked a 16 per cent increase from the previous 12-month period.

It also found that the number of people who suffered serious injuries on the roads increased by 22 per cent to 1,694. A notable increase was seen in motorcycle casualties, with 31 fatalities being recorded across the year.

Specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Scotland represent people who have suffered life-changing injuries in road traffic collisions, helping them to secure financial support to allow them to access vital rehabilitation services. They also act for the families of those killed in crashes on the country’s roads.

Expert Opinion

“It is very worrying to see these increases in deaths and serious injuries on the country’s roads and such figures demonstrate that much more hard work is needed to promote the safety message to all road users. <br/> <br/>“The seriousness of this issue can never be underestimated, with our work highlighting how serious injuries as a result of road crashes can have devastating life-changing consequences for both victims and their loved ones. In addition, behind every road death there is also a family and community left trying to come to terms with their loss. <br/> <br/>“It is vital that the Government and road safety bodies north of the border react swiftly to these figures, by examining how they can further improve the promotion of the road safety message and also consider other measures to reduce crashes in key hotspots. <br/> <br/>“We would also urge all road users to ensure that the safety of themselves and the motorists, cyclists and pedestrians around is always their fundamental priority.”