Surge in number of people killed in crashes on Scotland’s roads

The number of people killed in crashes in Scotland last year increased by 12%, statistics show. The data shows 161 people were killed in reported road collisions in 2024, 18 more than the finalised figure of 143 in 2023. Scottish transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said the figures are a "painful reminder of the challenges we face on our roads".

"Every one of these statistics represents a person or household that has been changed forever," she said.

Police ScotlandAmy Gray, from Port Glasgow, and her dog Reggie were struck and killed on the A8 in Greenock on Wednesday morning. Police Scotland

"I refuse to accept that people being killed or injured on our roads is inevitable or acceptable, and my thoughts are with the families, friends and communities affected." With a few exceptions, the number of deaths of Scotland's road have decreased each year since 1978 - a "steady long-term" downward trend.

The number of fatalities in 2024 was lower than in 2019, the last year pre-pandemic. Since then, figures have been fluctuating around a less pronounced downwards trend. The number of fatalities in 2024 was lower than in 2019, the last year pre-pandemic

The number of people seriously injured on Scotland's roads also increased last year.

Police ScotlandKyle Marshall, 19, (left) and Jayden McConnell, 17, (right) were killed in a crash between a Vauxhall Corsa and an HGV on the A91 at around 3.50pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Police Scotland

There were 1,978 serious casualties, 26 (1%) more than the year before. However, there were 3,395 - or 4% fewer - people slightly injured in collisions in 2024 than in 2023, and the overall number of casualties reduced by 2%, from 5,834 to 5,734.

The report from Transport Scotland said: "Road casualties have increased since 2020 and 2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions led to reduced travel.

Police ScotlandChris Haycock and Helen Booth both died following a crash on the A96, at around 12.16pm on Monday, February 10, 2024. Police Scotland

"However, in 2024 the number of fatalities was the third-lowest recorded in a non-pandemic year." The Scottish Government currently has four national targets for casualty reductions by 2030.

It is aiming to reduce the number of people killed in road collisions and the number of people seriously injured by 50% by the end of the decade. The transport secretary added: "I want to be clear - road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government, and that is why we are investing a record ?48m this financial year into roads safety activity and programmes." Hyslop said the Government is committed to funding safety improvements on trunk roads, supporting councils to take action on local roads, running high profile campaigns on key issues like speeding, motorcyclist safety and drink/drug driving, and investing in technology aimed at making Scottish roads safer.

"These efforts, as well as those of our road safety partners, are more important than ever and it's vital that we continue to work together at all levels to reach our target of Scotland having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.

The fall in pedestrian and cyclist deaths shows progress on that front," Hyslop said.

"I remain absolutely determined to save lives and ensure we continue working towards our long-term vision of no-one being killed or seriously injured on Scotland's roads by 2050."

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