Deaths and casualties among road users in Britain fell in 2023 but pedestrian fatalities rose and there are also concerns for low seatbelt wearing rates.

The number of pedestrian fatalities showed an increase of 6%

The provisional statistics from the Department for Transport estimate there were 1,645 road fatalities in 2023, a decline of 4% compared to 2022.

The official data also estimates 132,063 casualties of all severities, a year-on-year decline of 3%.

There were 29,643 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties, little change compared to 2022.

Among the different road user types, there were reductions in fatalities for car occupants (down 5%), motorcyclists (down 12%) and cyclists (down 7%).

But the number of pedestrian fatalities showed an increase of 6%.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “While there has been a slight decline in the year-on-year number of road users killed in crashes, the larger proportion of pedestrian fatalities, which is now at its highest since before the pandemic, should be a red flag to the Government signifying just how dangerous our roads still are.

“It’s extremely concerning that these figures have risen in the two years since the Highway Code was changed with a view to making the roads safer for the most vulnerable users. We hope there isn’t a negative link between the two, but with RAC research showing a third of drivers think pedestrians now face greater danger at junctions due to the changes, there seem to be questions that need answering.

“In terms of overall road user casualties, it appears the youngest and oldest age groups are most at risk. The number of female fatalities between the ages of 0-16 increased by 17% compared to 2022, and the percentage for males within the same age group jumped by a third (31%) compared to the year before. Among the 414 female fatalities on our roads in 2023, nearly four in 10 (151 – 36%) were in the 70 and over age group.

“Any number of deaths on the road is too many, so we strongly encourage the new government not to take these figures lightly and to make road safety a priority. We continue to believe the Government should reinstate road casualty reduction targets.”

One in 40 drivers and one in 20 front passengers not wearing a seatbelt

Analysis by the AA of the provisional road casualty statistics for 2023 shows that one in 12 young passengers (aged 14-29) are not wearing a seatbelt, while one in 40 drivers are failing to clip in.

Car occupants not wearing their seatbelt are putting themselves, fellow passengers, and other road users at unnecessary risk by not putting their belt on. Recent research by Axa and Brake found a quarter of car drivers and passengers killed in road crashes weren’t wearing a seatbelt – rising to two in five (41%) for crashes that occur at night.

The latest Department for Transport figures also show that one in every 300 drivers has been observed using their hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. Even though being caught for using a hand-held mobile phone carries a £200 fine and six points, many drivers are still tempted to pick up their phone. Newly published research by the AA found two-fifths (44%) of drivers said that this behaviour was worsening on UK roads.

Investigation shows that both seatbelt compliance and mobile phone use worsen in the evening and at night – with mobile phone abuse up 2.5 times at night, as drivers believe they are less likely to be caught.

As part of its Motoring Manifesto, the AA has called for more road traffic officers to police the roads as well as set challenging road safety targets to eliminate road fatalities and injuries. This includes high-profile, road safety campaigns on issues such as seatbelts.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Any fatality and injury on our roads is tragic and it’s important we take bold steps to eliminate road deaths.

“The shocking fact that drivers and passengers alike are willing to travel in a moving car without a seatbelt on is horrific. We need to do everything possible to change this behaviour once and for all and ensure everyone clips in before setting off.

“A generational lapse in one of the most basic road safety disciplines is contributing to 21% of car occupant fatalities. Years ago, it was drummed into drivers and then passengers to belt up before setting off on a car journey. Now, it seems that too many car occupants have become complacent  and failure to wear a seat belt is a major concern and potential killer.

“It seems a proportion of people drive carelessly or dangerously as it is clear that many believe they can do what they want as they won’t get caught. Our Motoring Manifesto is clear that we need more cops in cars to help police the roads. Not only will their presence act as a deterrent, but they can stop poor and illegal drivers immediately, potentially preventing further tragedy.”

Lowest number of people killed on London’s roads outside of pandemic years

Transport for London (TfL) has published annual casualty statistics that show the number of people tragically killed or seriously injured on London’s roads in 2023 fell by 6% to the second lowest level on record, from 3,974 to 3,709.

Last year was the lowest year on record for fatalities, excluding 2021, which was heavily affected by pandemic-related lockdowns and changes in travel patterns. The number of people killed and seriously injured on London’s roads has also reduced overall by 24% against the 2010-2014 baseline.

However, 95 people were tragically killed on London’s roads and TfL said collective action is still needed, reaffirming its commitment to doing more, with continued action needed to achieve the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from the transport network.

Vulnerable road users continue to be most at risk, with people walking, cycling and motorcycling making up 80% of all people killed or seriously injured in 2023. The number of people killed while cycling has fallen by 40% against the 2010-14 baseline, from 13 to eight. Data shows that cycling journeys have continued to increase with the number of daily cycle journeys increasing to 1.26 million in 2023, up by 6.3% since 2022.

Cars continued to be the main vehicle type involved in collisions in 2023 and are involved in 68% of all casualties on London’s roads. Speeding remains one of the biggest risks to road users, with around half of the 2023 fatal collisions in London reporting speed as a contributory factor.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer, said: “The latest casualty stats show that it is more important than ever to double down on our Vision Zero goal. Protecting everyone on the road, particularly people walking, cycling and motorcycling, is a priority for us and our partners and we will continue to incorporate our Vision Zero strategy into every decision we make. Without safe streets we know that people won’t choose the most healthy and sustainable modes of transport. We are determined to make London a greener, more sustainable and safer city, and Vision Zero is an essential part of building a better London for everyone.”