Scottish road deaths fall to record low in a non-Covid year but cyclist fatalities increase

Total fatalities were down to 134 from 160 in 2024, which were lower in 2020 and 2021 when traffic was reduced because of lockdown restrictions during the pandemic.

It compares to a peak of 892 deaths in 1969.

However, the number of cyclists who died last year increased from three to seven, and although the number of motorcyclist deaths remained unchanged at 34, their total casualties increased by 25 per cent to 581.

Pedestrian deaths fell by one third to 27, with overall casualties down by 3 per cent to 867. Car deaths were down from 73 to 59.

A total of 32 people were seriously injured in buses and coaches but there were no deaths.

Overall, there was a 4 per cent reduction in serious casualties to 1,906 , with slight casualties down by 3 per cent to 3,495, and total casualties down by 3 per cent to 5,535.

There were nearly three times as many male as female deaths - 96 against 38, while the highest number of casualties were among both sexes in their 30s.

The over 70s was the only age group with more female than male casualties - 292 against 286.

Fatal crashes included three teenagers who died while travelling in a Ford Fiesta on the A830 near Arisaig in the north west Highlands late one night in August

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Transport Scotland has set a target of achieving the “best road safety performance in the world” by 2030, and zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

However, the Scottish Government agency is less than half way to its target of halving road deaths by 2030 compared to 2014-18, with a 23 per cent reduction last year.

Serious injuries were reduced by 30 per cent compared to a 50 per cent target, while deaths among under 16s were down by 46 per cent compared to a 60 per cent target.

Serious child injuries were down by 33 per cent against a 60 per cent target.

Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “These figures represent the lowest number of deaths in a non-pandemic year, but there is clearly still a lot of work to do.

“We refuse to accept that people being killed or injured on our roads is inevitable.”

He said £41 million was being spent this year on measures such as more road markings to help motorcyclists safely negotiate tricky bends, and and high-profile campaigns on speeding, seatbelts and drink/drug driving.

Mr Flynn said: “It’s vital that we continue to support our partners at all levels as we look towards reaching our target of Scotland having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.

“Every one of these statistics represents a person, family or household that has been changed forever and that is why road safety remains a priority for the Scottish Government.”