Scotland's roads are getting safer

Figures show a fall in deaths and injuries last year

Published 29th Jun 2016

Road casualties in Scotland have fallen to the lowest level since records began, official figures show.

Casualties fell by 3% between 2014 and 2015 from 11,307 to 10,950, according to Transport Scotland's provisional figures.

There were 162 people killed in reported road accidents in Scotland in 2015, 41 fewer than in 2014.

The number of people seriously injured also decreased by 6% to 1,597.

There were 974 child casualties in reported road accidents, a decrease of 6% since 2014.

This included five deaths, two fewer than 2014, and 140 children who were seriously injured, down from 172 in 2014.

There were three fewer pedal cyclists killed, 18 fewer pedestrians, three fewer motorcyclists killed and 22 fewer car user fatalities.

Car users seriously injured fell by 6% and serious injuries for motorcyclists fell by 22%.

The number of bus and coach users seriously injured increased from 28 to 49 and pedal cyclists seriously injured from 159 to 164 between 2014 and 2015.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “Safety is an absolute priority and that is why the framework has an ultimate vision of zero fatalities on our roads. I am absolutely clear one life lost on our roads is one too many.

“The figures published today show the continued downward trend in road casualties and the key framework 2015 milestone reductions are being met.

“We remain on track to achieve significant casualty reductions towards our 2020 targets as well as realising our vision where no-one is killed on Scotland's roads and the injury rate is much reduced.

“This progress is to be welcomed but we must not and will not become complacent. We still have work to do, which is why my predecessor Derek Mackay requested a mid-term review of the framework be undertaken last June.''