Total number of reported road fatalities in Scotland, 1950 to 2025
The number of people killed on Scotland’s roads fell sharply in 2025, according to new provisional figures published by Transport Scotland.
A total of 134 people lost their lives in reported road collisions during 2025 – 26 fewer than in 2024, representing a 16% reduction. It is the third-lowest annual total since records began, and the lowest recorded outside the Covid-19 pandemic years.
Overall, there were 5,535 reported road casualties in Scotland during 2025, down 3% from the previous year. This included 1,906 people who were seriously injured (down 4%) and 3,495 who sustained slight injuries (down 3%).
Transport Scotland’s statistics also show improvements for several road user groups. Car occupant fatalities fell from 73 to 59, while pedestrian deaths reduced from 42 to 27. However, motorcycle fatalities remained unchanged at 34, and cyclist fatalities increased from three to seven.
The figures also provide an update on progress towards Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 targets. Compared with the 2014-18 baseline, the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads has fallen by 23%. Over the same period, the number of people seriously injured reduced from an adjusted baseline of 2,723 to 1,906, a reduction of 30%.
The Framework’s target is a 50% reduction in both fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, equivalent to around 87 deaths and 1,361 serious injuries per year.
Commenting on the publication, cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop said the reduction in fatalities was welcome, but stressed that every death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering its long-term vision of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the road network.
Comment on this story