UK road deaths rose in 2024 – a bold reminder to drive safely
May 30, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Government data shows a slight rise in road fatalities last year, despite fewer overall injuries. With young drivers particularly at risk, here are some tips to protect yourself and others on the road.
The Department for Transport’s provisional figures for the year ending June 2024 reveal a nuanced picture of road safety in the UK. While the total number of casualties has decreased, fatalities have seen a slight uptick, showing areas of concern for policymakers and road users alike.
Here are some key stats you need to know:
- Fatalities: An estimated 1,633 people lost their lives on British roads in 2024, marking a 1% increase from 2023.
- Killed or seriously injured (KSI): Around 29,537 individuals were either killed or seriously injured – unchanged from the year before.
- Total casualties: Overall road casualties fell by 3% to 128,375, continuing a downward trend.
Demographic insights
While 76% (1,245) of fatalities and 61% of casualties of all severities were male, there was a 25% rise in the number of women aged 17 to 29 killed (79). This spike runs counter to the broader decrease in total casualties and has raised red flags among road safety advocates.
Below is the reported road fatalities by age group and sex in Great Britain, the year ending June 2024 (provisional) compared with the year ending June 2023 and the year ending June 2014:
| Sex | Age group (years) | 2024 | % change from 2023 | % change from 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 0 to 16 | 41 | -21 | 24 |
| Male | 17 to 29 | 302 | 2 | -26 |
| Male | 30 to 49 | 332 | -8 | -15 |
| Male | 50 to 69 | 313 | 7 | 11 |
| Male | 70 and over | 216 | -9 | 17 |
| Male | All ages | 1,204 | -3 | -7 |
| Female | 0 to 16 | 23 | 21 | -32 |
| Female | 17 to 29 | 79 | 25 | -27 |
| Female | 30 to 49 | 65 | -13 | -18 |
| Female | 50 to 69 | 97 | 8 | 18 |
| Female | 70 and over | 136 | -7 | -4 |
| Female | All ages | 400 | 2 | -10 |
In terms of road user categories, motorcyclists experienced a 9% rise in fatalities in 2024 – the largest increase among all groups. In contrast, pedal cyclists saw a 5% decrease in fatalities and a 6% drop in overall casualties, offering a positive sign for the safety of active travel.
Looking ahead and the industry’s reaction
The Department for Transport is expected to publish the final 2024 casualty statistics in September 2025. These full-year figures will help guide future road safety strategies.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, urged action: “It’s important that the government looks at all solutions that could reduce deaths on our roads, including the improvement of driving skills, managing in-vehicle distractions, and effective enforcement of the so-called fatal four: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone.”
Responding to the stats, RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said: “While overall road casualty numbers appear to have reduced slightly year-on-year, alarmingly fatalities have crept up – led by an increase in fatal collisions involving motorcyclists.
“It’s also worrying to see pedestrian fatalities at their highest number since before the pandemic, and that men are still three times more likely to be killed on the roads than women. This data is yet more evidence of the need for a renewed focus on saving lives on the roads.”
Edmund King, AA president, mirrors this concern, saying: “Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and sadly we are still losing at least four people a day. If this level of loss was experienced on any other form of transport, there would be a national inquiry and public outcry. Yet, for some reason, we seem to accept this as the risk of moving around our communities. This should not be the case.”
King has called for a stronger road safety plan, including tougher penalties for things like not wearing a seatbelt or driving under the influence of drugs. He also stressed the need to better support new drivers, making sure they feel confident behind the wheel before exposing them to additional risks such as passengers their own age.
Quick reminder on how to stay safe on the road
Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, road safety is a shared responsibility. Here’s a refresher to help keep yourself and others safe:
For drivers:
- Avoid distractions: Put your phone away and focus fully on the road.
- Obey speed limits: Speed remains one of the biggest killers on UK roads.
- Never drive under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
- Wear a seatbelt: It’s a simple act that can save your life.
- Drive to the conditions: Adjust your speed for rain, fog, or poor visibility.
For cyclists:
- Wear a helmet: It can reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
- Be visible: Use lights and reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions.
- Stick to cycle lanes where possible and follow the Highway Code.
For pedestrians:
- Use crossings: Always look both ways before stepping into the road.
- Avoid distractions: Don’t look at your phone while crossing streets.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure you’ve been seen.
Always stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe. Small changes in behaviour can make a big difference on the road and can help save lives.
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