Final figures show there were 1,711 road deaths in Great Britain during 2022, a year-on-year rise of 10%.
The stats were published today (28 September) by the DfT, who says the number of casualties ‘have begun to normalise’ after the Covid-impacted years of 2020 and 2021.
In comparison to 2019, the last year unaffected by the pandemic, the 2022 fatality figure is down 2%.
Despite this, the RAC says the figures are “a chilling reminder that there remains so much work to do be done to improve road safety in the UK”.
As has been widely reported over the last few years, casualty statistics have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdown periods leading to a reduction in traffic on the roads.
As 2021 had a lockdown, it is perhaps no surprise that 2022 has seen an increase in not only fatalities, but also KSIs and the total number of casualties.
At 29,742, the number of KSIs rose by 8%, while the overall casualty figure increased by 6% to 135,480.
Both of the 2022 figures are however lower than 2019 – KSIs are down by 3% and casualties of all severities by 12%.
In 2022, 76% of fatalities and 62% of casualties of all severities were male.
RAC reiterates call for reintroduction of casualty targets
Reacting to the figures, the RAC is calling on the Government to treat road safety “with the upmost seriousness” by reintroducing casualty reduction targets.
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “Confirmation that last year saw a rise in the number of casualties on our roads – and that men are so much more likely to be involved – is a chilling reminder that there remains so much work to do be done to improve road safety in the UK, even if statistically we have some of the safest roads in Europe.
“The data shows there were more fatal collisions last year than at any point over the last decade caused by drivers or riders being distracted, impaired (458 lives lost) or breaking the speed limit (303 lives lost).
“It’s time the Government turned the dial up on tackling these issues which, while complex, result in hundreds of people losing their lives every year.
“We also continue to urge the Government to treat this issue with the upmost seriousness by reintroducing casualty reduction targets which were scrapped in 2010.”
How often do we have to say it? Random variation renders year on year comparisons a waste of time. Similarly, comparing individual years. A better indication of trend is the rolling five year average …
Andrew Fraser, STIRLING
+1
Surely the further down paragraph “In comparison to 2019, the last year unaffected by the pandemic, the 2022 fatality figure is down 2%” should be the headline? Using 2020 and 2021 as comparison years is simply making stats fit a narrative.
That’s not to say we should be happy with a 2% decrease – a national road safety strategy has been missing for years, and needs reinstating.
Ben Graham, Reading
+7