Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2014 figures show out of the total of 11,240 road casualties reported in 2014 there were 200 fatalities – 28 or 16% more than 2013. There were also 1,694 seriously injured, some 22 or 1% more than 2013. Figures show there was a 44.6% increase in motorcycle casualties including 31 fatalities

However, the 11,240 road casualties reported in 2014 was down 264 or 2% fewer than 2013.

Commenting on the figures, Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “The increase in fatalities and the number of people seriously injured in road accidents in 2014 is disappointing. However it also demonstrates the need for every one of us to take responsibility when using the road network. The longer term downward trends and the annual decline in the total number of casualties, to the lowest level since records began, are encouraging but more can, and must, be done.

“At the Road Safety Framework Strategic Partnership Board Meeting earlier this month I launched a review of our progress in delivering the Road Safety Framework to 2020. Transport Scotland are working together with road safety partners to assess the progress that has been made to date, with the aim of redoubling our efforts and focus through to 2020 and beyond. Fatalities in 2014 were down 31% from an average of 292 for 2004-08.

“Some of the more recent interventions such as the landmark change in Scotland’s drink-drive legislation – which has seen us leading the way in the United Kingdom – will undoubtedly help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives on our roads. Other innovations such as the A9 average speed camera programme are already delivering benefits, and significant investment is improving safety for cyclists. We are also encouraging Councils to cut speed in towns and cities through our revised 20mph limit guidance. I am confident that these developments will have a positive impact going forward.” 

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, added: “While in many areas figures are falling, in some very important ones they have risen alarmingly. “There has been a lot going on in road safety in Scotland with projects such as the A9 average speed cameras coming on stream but the challenge of breaking the link between rising traffic and crashes remains a huge one. “Alongside the government the IAM want to see more incentives for individuals and companies to improve the quality of their driving and riding. New roads and new cars have delivered year on year death reductions for decades but the underlying human factors involved must now receive even higher priority.”