Scotland road safety: Difficulties on journey of progress

19/06/2019 |

Latest figures suggest Scotland achieved mixed results in road safety last year, with another record breaking drop in overall casualties but an increase in the number of people killed on the roads.

Official provisional statistics reported that 160 people were killed in reported road accidents in Scotland in 2018, 15 more than in 2017 - roughly a 10% increase.

However, the total number of casualties fell by 11% between 2017 and 2018 from 9,433 to 8,402, once again reaching the lowest number since records began, while the number of people seriously injured decreased by 1% to 1,581.

Data on the number of casualties goes back to 1938 with annual collection of data starting in 1950.

Scotland is making progress on all five of its core road safety targets under its road safety framework for 2020 - from its 2004-2008 baseline - but so far is on track to only reach three of them:

  • The 160 people killed in 2018 represents a reduction of 45% since the baseline  and performance is currently exceeding the 2020 target of a 40% reduction
  • 1,581 people were seriously injured in 2018, a reduction of 39% since the baseline, although performance is not currently on track to meet the 2020 target of a 55% reduction
  • On average, there were six children killed each year between 2016 and 2018, a reduction of 63% since the baseline with performance currently exceeding the 2020 target of a 50% reduction
  • There were 142 children seriously injured in 2018, a reduction of 56% since the baseline but performance is not currently on track to meet the 2020 target of a 65% reduction
  • The 2018 slight casualty rate was 13.84 casualties per 100 million vehicle kilometres, a reduction of 57% since the baseline, meaning that performance is currently exceeding the 2020 target of a 10% reduction

The figures also show that in 2018 there were 756 child casualties in reported road accidents, a decrease of 16% since 2017; however this included three fatalities, one more than 2017. 

In 2018 there were six pedal cyclists killed, one more than in 2017, and five fewer pedestrian fatalities. There were four more motorcyclists killed and 11 more car user fatalities.

Last year saw a 1% increase in both car users and motor cyclists who were seriously injured. However, the number of pedestrians seriously injured decreased from 379 to 362 and the number of pedal cyclists seriously injured fell from 171 to 156.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District Council

£30000 - £34000 per annum
Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full Time£30,313 to £34,612 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW