Rise In Pedestrian Fatalities: DfT’s 2023 Road Collision Report
The Department for Transport (DfT) has released its 2023 report on road collisions in the UK.
Both private and motor trade drivers will be alarmed to read it reveals a troubling rise in pedestrian fatalities despite recent changes to the Highway Code.
There are significant trends that provide insights into the current state of road safety across our country.
Key Findings
Overall Fatalities: In 2023, there were an estimated 1,645 road fatalities, a decline of 4% compared to 2022. However, pedestrian deaths increased by 6%.Motorcyclist Fatalities: The largest percentage decrease was in motorcyclist fatalities, which fell by 12%.Car Occupant and Cyclist Fatalities: Car occupant fatalities declined by 5%, and pedal cyclist fatalities decreased by 7%.Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI): The number of people killed or seriously injured in road incidents remained relatively stable at 29,643.Fatalities per Vehicle Mile: Fatalities per billion vehicle miles travelled declined by 6%.
Demographic Insights
Gender Disparities: Men accounted for 75% of fatalities and 61% of all casualties.Age Group Impact: The 17 to 29 age group had the highest rate of fatalities (24%) and casualties (29%).
Pedestrian Safety & Fatalities Are Still A Concern
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern. Despite changes aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, the increase in pedestrian fatalities underscores the need for further action from everyone, not just the motor trade industry.
Cycling UK advocates for creating environments that support walking, wheeling, and cycling, which can improve public health, reduce pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Road Safety
Minor Roads: Most cycling (about 85%) occurs on minor roads and streets, where pedestrian activity is highest. However, these roads carry only about 35% of motor traffic.Collision Statistics: Although cyclists are frequently near pedestrians, cycles are involved in just 2% of pedestrian casualties reported to the police. In contrast, motor vehicles are involved in 98% of these incidents, with cars alone accounting for about 80% of pedestrian injuries and over two-thirds of fatalities.Contrary to common belief, pedestrians face the greatest risk from motor vehicles on pavements and verges, not bicycles. From 2012 to 2020, motor vehicles were involved in 99% of fatal pedestrian collisions on pavements, averaging around 34 deaths per year. Cycles were involved in just two such fatalities during the same period.Fatalities and Serious Injuries: From 2012 to 2020, only one out of 32 pedestrians killed by a red-light violator was struck by a bicycle, similarly, of the 385 serious pedestrian casualties caused by red light violations.
Moving Forward
The importance of designing safe conditions on carriageways through low traffic volumes, speeds and quality infrastructure cannot be underestimated. These measures will benefit all vulnerable road users and can promote active, non-polluting travel.
While some concerns exist about sharing spaces, careful planning and trials can mitigate these issues. Properly designed shared spaces in pedestrian-priority areas, parks, and other suitable locations can bring additional safety measures to every road user.
Your local insurance broker or provider will echo that every road death or serious injury is one too many. Responsible behaviour is required from all road users to ensure a safer future for all.
This entry was posted in Motor Trade News Articles and tagged road safety, safety on July 10, 2024.
