The recent rise in injuries and deaths of vulnerable road users highlights the need for further funding and campaigns to identify what improvements can be made to safeguard those vulnerable road users.
Who are vulnerable road users?
- Motorcyclists
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
Perhaps unsurprisingly, motorcyclists represent a small number of registered vehicles in Scotland (2.2%). However, they make up 14% of those who are serious injured of killed on the roads.
Transport Scotland has released statistics confirming that 16 fewer people died as a result of road traffic collisions in 2023 when compared with 2022.
The same information also confirmed that the number of casualties rose by 3% (5,630 to 5,788) and a 9% increase in those seriously injured (1,778 to 1930).
It was also revealed that pedestrian fatalities rose to 47 in 2023 compared to 34 the previous year, and cyclist fatalities increased from 2 to 7.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, recently advised that the Scottish Government were committed to reducing the number of vulnerable road users being injured by 2023, with a long-term goal being that there is no one seriously injured or killed on the road by 2025.
While it is comforting to learn of the overall decrease in deaths as a result of road traffic collisions, Transport Scotland’s statistics highlight the need for increased protection for vulnerable road users, and more must be done to provide safeguarding measures for those most at risk.
Our specialist solicitors and dedicated road traffic team have years of experience in helping all types of road users who have been injured in a road traffic accident which was not their fault. To discuss your case with a member of our dedicated team, call us today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.
