Scotland: total casualties down – but road deaths rise in 2016

12.00 | 14 June 2017 | | 7 comments

Provisional figures for 2016 show that 191 people were killed in reported road accidents in Scotland last year, a year-on-year rise of 14%.

The Transport Scotland statistics, published today (14 June), also show that the number of people seriously injured increased by 6% to 1,693.

However, the total number of casualties fell by 1% to 10,881 – the lowest number since records began.

The road safety charity Brake has described the increase in deaths as ‘deeply troubling’.

Transport Scotland points out that, compared to the 2004-2008 baseline, 191 fatalities represents a 35% reduction (the 2020 target is a reduction of 40%); while 1,693 serious injuries represents a reduction of 35% on the same baseline (55% target).

In terms of age, the provisional figures show that in 2016 there were 1,011 child casualties in reported road accidents, a year-on-year rise of 4%. This figure includes 12 fatalities – eight more than 2015 – and 167 serious injuries, up from 139 in 2015.

Looking at road user type, there were 1,663 pedestrian casualties, a 2% year-on-year fall, including 32 fatalities – 12 fewer than 2015.

There were 711 motorcycle casualties, 3% fewer than 2015. However, this figure includes 30 fatalities – three more than 2015.

The total number of cyclist casualties fell by 1% to 789, while the number of fatalities rose by three to eight.

Number of casualties killed (Scotland), 1950 to 2016

Humza Yousaf, transport minister, said: “It’s disappointing that there has been an increase in the number of fatalities and the number of people seriously injured on our roads in 2016.

“The Scottish Government and our road safety partners will redouble our efforts in order to reach our ambitious and challenging casualty reduction targets. At the same time we all need to take responsibility for protecting ourselves and other road users when using the road network.”

Jason Wakeford, spokesman for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Today’s figures are deeply troubling. It’s shocking to see more fatalities on Scotland’s roads last year, and more children, cyclists and motorcyclists needlessly losing their lives.

"Today’s statistics show that, while progress is being made toward some of the 2020 Scottish Road Safety Framework targets, there is far more work to be done.

"We must strive for a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We urge the Scottish Government to implement a default 20mph limit in built up areas, accompanied by additional speed enforcement on roads by the police."

 

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    I agree Hugh but where they can see a problem at the site then I hope that some report would find the right quarter and efforts made to make that situation safer for all.

    I would not like to think that no action would be taken because it may point a finger at some mistake made previously as sometimes happens.


    Bob Craven Lancs
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    Although Council highway and traffic staff, together with the police, are obliged to look into collision locations with a view to seeing if any accident remedial works are necessary, there is not much they can do about the reckless and careless behaviour of road users which is typically the overriding cause anyway.


    Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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    A world without finance restraints and the need for prioritisation lists only exists in my dreams. I dare say it would be the same for a new national independent organisation as well.


    Guzzi, Newport
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    If that is the case Guzzi then something is terribly wrong and I look forward to the day as recommended when there be separate independent organisation that can do that job. One that has none of the constraints such as finance placed on them like present engineers.


    s worthington
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    S Worthington

    What you describe is exactly the routine day job of many highways engineers and analysts. It happens all the time, all over the country.


    Guzzi, Newport
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    There must be some stats reference to the deaths that identify location, time of incident and all circumstances surrounding them. Junctions, roundabout, overtakes, bends etc. something that one could investigate and maybe address so that it doesn’t happen at that location again. This is where an accident investigation unit could determine the causation and recommend action that could be taken to reduce the possibility of it happening again.


    s worthington
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    Of course it is disappointing that the stats have gone up in 2016. Every life lost or serious injury is a tragedy for those involved. Unfortunately road casualty reduction plans do not come with a cast iron guarantee – there is a huge aspect of personal responsibility involved for every road user. The downward trend has been good and let us hope this is a blip. Those like Brake who make ridiculous comments about introducing default 20 speed limits show their naivety to think such measures will have any significant effect on road casualty results. With policing numbers as they are, speeding non-compliance levels will virtually neutralise any default 20mph schemes.


    Pat, Wales
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    0

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