Final estimates confirm fall in road deaths during 2023

New Government statistics reveal there were 1,624 road deaths in Great Britain during 2023, a decline of 5% compared to 2022.

The data, published by the DfT on 26 September, also shows a year-on-year fall in the total number of casualties recorded – down 2% to 132,977.

However, at 29,711, there was no change in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) when compared to 2022.

Considering road collision rates per billion miles travelled, the final estimates show there were five road fatalities per billion vehicle miles travelled in 2023, down 7% compared to 2022.

In terms of different road user types, there were reductions in fatalities among car occupants, motorcyclists and cyclists.

At 10%, the biggest percentage change compared to 2022 was for motorcyclists. Car occupant fatalities fell by 8%, and cyclists 4%.

There was however a rise in the number of pedestrian fatalities – up by 5%.

Bill Smith, Road Safety GB’s director of communications, said: “Overall, the latest figures are cautiously encouraging with reductions being seen across many categories and road user types. The figures also highlight some areas for concern, that will need more interventions and support in order to see positive change happen.

“Road Safety GB members deliver vital road safety work across engineering, education, training, publicity and enforcement. Casualty reduction remains a collective effort.

“Everyone in the road safety community wants to see increased and sustained improvements, knowing that behind each statistic there is a life lost or changed in some cases forever.”

Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “The reduction in road deaths last year is certainly a positive step and a reflection of the hard work of road safety professionals who are dedicated to achieving Vision Zero.

“However, the number of people losing their lives or being injured on our roads is still unacceptably high. Much more needs to be done to bring down these figures further. 

“We must push for significant policy changes, including the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing and the development of a comprehensive National Road Safety Strategy.”

Meanwhile, 75% of fatalities and 61% of casualties of all severities were male in 2023.

There was also a significant rise in the number of fatalities aged between 0-16 years.

Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “Thankfully, this latest data shows overall casualty and fatality levels are down compared to 12 months earlier.

“But behind the headline figures there are some important points to note, such as the fact that men are far more likely to be killed or injured on our roads than women, and that pedestrian fatalities and those involving young people appear to be rising.”

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