Road fatalities in Britain experienced an upward trend last year, marked by a 9% surge in motorcyclist deaths.
Increase in Motorcyclist and Pedestrian Fatalities Prompts Calls for Action
New provisional data released by the Department for Transport (DfT) shows an uptick in road fatalities for the first time in over five years. The number of motorcyclists killed in accidents rose by 9% to 343 in 2024, compared to the previous year's 315, constituting a fifth of all road deaths. The surge in motorcyclist fatalities is a concerning trend, as the numbers have been decreasing since 2017. In addition to motorcyclists, pedestrian deaths increased by 2% to 413 in 2024 from 405 in 2023.
The total number of individuals who lost their lives on British roads in 2024 was 1,633, a 1% increase from the 1,624 in 2023. Although the rise in overall road fatalities is minimal, safety groups argue that the persistent plateau in road casualties is detrimental and requires immediate action.
According to the DfT statistics, males accounted for three quarters of the fatalities in 2024. Younger male motorists are also more likely to be injured or killed, while the statistics show higher mortality rates for older female pedestrians.
The increase in motorcyclist fatalities has raised concerns over the government's ability to significantly reduce road deaths, as have the flatlining figures seen since 2011. Some safety groups are pushing for the government to enact new measures, including harsher penalties for motoring offenses such as failure to wear a seatbelt or drug-driving.
Safety advocates are urging the government to prioritize evidence-based solutions, such as implementing stricter pavement parking restrictions, expanding 20mph urban speed limits, and integrating cycle training in the national curriculum. Other recommendations include better training for police and driving instructors, nationwide standards for commercial cargo bikes, and improved road infrastructure.
The DfT has pledged to reassess its approach toward road safety, focusing on a data-led strategy that concentrates on shared responsibility, improved vehicle design, better infrastructure, and stronger enforcement. Various local authorities, including Surrey, Oxfordshire, and London, have already begun to implement measures aimed at achieving Vision Zero—the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on their roads.
London, in particular, is expanding its 20mph speed limit zones, with strong evidence indicating that lower speeds contribute significantly to reducing fatal and serious injury collisions. The city's Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed the life-saving impact of these measures through long-term research.
As officials work to finalize the comprehensive Road Safety Strategy, safety groups remain hopeful that the concerning trend in road fatalities will soon be reversed.
Insurance companies are closely monitoring the rise in car-accidents and the subsequent increase in road fatalities, particularly focusing on motorcyclist and pedestrian accidents. General news outlets are reporting on the persistent plateau in road casualties, highlighting the need for immediate action to lower these figures.
