First Increase in Scottish Road Deaths Since 2006

The number of fatal road traffic accidents have increased on Scotland’s roads for the first time in almost a decade.

The figures which were revealed by the newspaper Scotland on Sunday, collected information via police reports and media reporting. Records of the incidents show that there was a stark rise in the number of motorcyclists and pedestrians killed on Scotland’s roads. Worryingly, this represented the first rise in the number of deaths in said category in seven years.

Despite the figures not being official, the reports, media reporting and police statements showed that the number of incidents involving cars and bicycles had fallen. In total, the number of road deaths last year was 179, seven more than the official Scottish Government figure for 2013. If the figures are accurate, it represents the first rise since 2006.

Areas of Concern Regarding Statistics

Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency said any increase in deaths was “obviously of concern” with any rise in deaths an issue for all. However, worryingly, there was a huge leap in the number of motorcyclists and pedestrians killed on Scotland’s roads. There was a 25% increase in the number of bikers killed, with the number of pedestrians killed in Scotland going up by almost 50% to 54 in 2014. These figures include the fatal Glasgow bin lorry accidents and the spectators killed at the Jim Clark rally.

The number of cyclists deaths and those involved in cars fell with buses, taxis and tractor incidents remaining at a similar level to the previous year. Alarmingly the number of motorcyclists killed comes despite a huge campaign from the Scottish government and transport groups to try and raise awareness about the dangers of bikers, especially at junctions.

Neil Greig, the Scotland-based policy and research director of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “This is worrying news, as we have not seen a year on year increase in road deaths in Scotland since 2006, and the long-term trend has been downwards for decades.

“Even if this is just a ‘blip’, it marks a slowing down in progress on death reduction, which must be taken seriously by the Scottish Government.”

Police Scotland’s head of road policing said that it was trying to take the positives from the report in that the overall road casualties and serious injuries had dropped. Chief Superintendent Iain Murray said: “We will continue to do everything we can to reduce these numbers, including supporting high-profile campaigns which highlight important issues such as motorcyclist and pedestrian safety.”

Transport Scotland said that although the figures were ominous, provisional 2014 casualty figures would be published in June.

A spokeswoman said: “Any indication of an increase in the number of people killed is obviously of concern and something we will investigate with the utmost seriousness.

“One life lost on Scotland’s roads is one too many, and we are taking forward a raft of measures with our road safety partners to reduce risks and to ensure education, engineering and enforcement all play a key role in our comprehensive approach.”

Road Traffic Accidents

The figures highlight the dangers that can arise from road traffic incidents. If you have been involved in an accident in the last three years that was not your fault, you will be able to make a personal injury claim. It was a result of negligence or reckless driving, then you can claim compensation for your injuries. It is worth noting however that if you are responsible for the incident then you will be unable to make a claim, regardless of the extent of your injuries.

In order to build the strongest possible case our team of skilled personal injury lawyers will need to know details such as where, when and how the incident occurred as well as the insurance details of your own, and the other driver’s vehicle. Furthermore we will also require contact details of any witness to the incident. This will be used to verify your account. If you sought medical advice following the accident and have an accident report then this can also be used to show the extent of your injuries.

Many claimants forget that not only can they claim for the injuries they received, but can also make a claim for damages, expenses and loss of income. If you have been unable to work due to your injuries, or been unable to retain your normal income, you can claim for this through your claim. In order to do so you will require evidence such as a bank statement to prove it. When you first call or get in touch with our team of personal injury solicitors, they will be able to inform you of everything you require to build the strongest personal injury case.

Vulnerable Road Users

The latest statistics regarding fatal road traffic accidents highlight the danger of being a more vulnerable road user with many cyclists and motorbikers injured on Scotland’s roads. If you are injured and are a vulnerable road user you will be entitled to make a claim for compensation if you can prove you were not at fault. Many give personal injury claims a negative press, however if you have been injured through no fault of your own not only do we believe you deserve compensation, but we also believe you are entitled to hold those responsible to account and some closure on the incident.

Contact Our Personal Injury Solicitors Today

If you have been injured in an accident, whether it is in a road traffic accident or a slip, trip or fall or in any other accident our team of personal injury solicitors can offer you tailored advice on the best way to proceed with your claim and begin legal proceedings. Get in touch with our team using our online contact form or call us on for free on 0808 163 7219.