Data shows slight rise in road deaths in 2024

New Government data estimates there were 1,633 road fatalities in 2024, an increase of 1% compared to 2023.

The provisional data, published by the DfT on 29 May, also shows there were 128,375 casualties of all severities, a year-on-year decline of 3%.

There were 29,537 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties, little change compared to 2023.

In terms of different road user types, there were 343 motorcycle fatalities in 2024 –  a 9% year-on-year rise.

There was also a 2% rise in the number of pedestrian casualties – up to 413.

Conversely, there was a 2% reduction in the number of car occupants killed, down to 710, and a 2% fall in the number of cyclist fatalities (85).

The RAC says the figures are “more evidence of the need for a renewed focus on saving lives on the roads”.

Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “While overall road casualty numbers appear to have reduced slightly year-on-year, alarmingly fatalities have crept up – led by an increase in fatal collisions involving motorcyclists. 

“It’s also worrying to see pedestrian fatalities at their highest number since before the pandemic, and that men are still three times more likely to be killed on the roads than women.

“This data is yet more evidence of the need for a renewed focus on saving lives on the roads, so we look forward to the publication of the Government’s road safety strategy.”