Road deaths rise in a year - AA reaction

Following the release of provisional statistics today from the Department for Transport showing that road deaths in 2024 rose by 1% compared to 2023* (up to 1,633 from 1,624), Edmund King, AA president, said; "Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and sadly we are still losing at least four people a day.

"If this level of loss was experienced on any other form of transport, there would be a national inquiry and public outcry. Yet, for some reason, we seem to accept this as the risk of moving around our communities.This should not be the case.

"We urgently need a road safety strategy that will help bring down deaths and serious injuries on our roads. This means taking bold action like bringing in harsher penalties for those not wearing a seatbelt and those driving under the influence of drugs. Similarly, we need to help safeguard newly qualified drivers to ensure they feel confident on the road before exposing them to additional risks such as peer-aged passengers."

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NOTES TO EDITORS

* Reported road casualties in Great Britain, provisional estimates: 2024 - GOV.UK