Road deaths down just 1%: Why the UK needs a bold new safety strategy
From electric vehicles to a wide-ranging review of the Highway Code, many things about road travel have changed in over a decade since the last comprehensive Road Safety Strategy from a UK Government. One thing that hasn’t, however, is the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a collision. The latest statistics from Department for Transport showing just a 1 per cent decline in road deaths to 1,602 in 2024, are yet more unwelcome evidence that the UK has lost its position as a global leader on road safety. Deaths have decreased by just 10 per cent between 2014 and 2024, with the European Transport Safety Council ranking the UK as 9th worst out of 32 countries in Europe for reducing road deaths between 2023 and 2024, below countries such as Italy and Portugal.
The introduction of a new Road Safety Strategy was a key recommendation in RoSPA’s National Accident Prevention Strategy, our groundbreaking research which outlines the scale of the UK’s accident crisis and the solutions needed to reverse rising accident figures across all parts of society. Having helped the Scottish and Welsh governments deliver their respective devolved road safety strategies, RoSPA recognises that a clear, evidence-based approach is essential to preventing road traffic collisions and saving lives.
We therefore welcome the publication of the Department for Transport’s new Road Safety Strategy as an important step by the Government at a time when reducing road traffic casualties remains an urgent priority.
What are the new road safety targets?
We are particularly pleased to see the introduction of ambitious and clear road safety targets. If backed by robust data, regular reporting and meaningful enforcement, these provide a vital framework for accountability and focus. This ensures that progress can be properly measured and policies adjusted where they are not delivering results.
A commitment to consult on mandating the fitting of 18 new safety technologies is an overdue step to protect pedestrians and all road users. These technologies will ensure that new vehicles meet the highest modern safety requirements, delivering life-saving benefits. Should proposals go ahead, this change is estimated to prevent more than 14,000 people being killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads over 15 years.
RoSPA strongly supports the decision to consult on reducing the legal drink-driving limit. This reflects the clear scientific consensus that even low levels of alcohol significantly impair driving ability, sending a strong message about the dangers of drink-driving.
RoSPA also welcomes proposals to consult on mandatory eyesight tests for drivers when they reach 70. Drivers must be able to see clearly and respond safely on the road, and regular vision checks are a sensible way to reduce risk as we age. Any system should support people to drive safely for as long as possible, while taking timely action when health or eyesight could put them or others in danger. But it is equally important to strengthen protections for young and newly qualified drivers, who are significantly more likely to be killed or seriously injured. We welcome the Government’s commitment to consult on a minimum learning period for learner drivers, but would like to see post-test measures introduced to protect young drivers.
What is the Road Safety Investigation Branch?
We are also pleased to see the Government’s commitment to establish a dedicated Road Safety Investigation Branch. Unlike aviation and rail, previously, road deaths have occurred without a consistent national system for learning lessons and making formal safety recommendations. With a dedicated investigative branch, opportunities to prevent future tragedies could be realised.
This strategy signals a renewed determination to tackle preventable road harm, and must now be delivered effectively, with sufficient investment and support, so its measures have real impact on our roads. We look forward to working with Government to turn these shared goals into practical action that saves lives.