Road deaths increased to 160 last year, figures show
The data shows there were 160 road deaths in 2024, an increase of 13 from a revised figure of 147 in 2023.
There were 1,931 serious casualties in 2024, a slight reduction from the 1,952 recorded in 2023.
Less severe accidents, or slight casualties, decreased by 7% during the same period, with 3,739 incidents in 2023 and 3,485 in 2024.
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With serious and slight casualties combined, there was a 4% overall decrease in 2024 – 5,838 to 5,576.
The number of active travel fatalities also reduced, with 47 pedestrian and seven cyclist fatalities in 2023, compared with 41 pedestrian and three cyclist deaths in 2024.
The overall increase in fatalities last year was largely due to a rise in deaths involving cars, which rose from 57 to 74. Motorcycle deaths increased from 27 to 31.
Road casualties were lower in 2020 and 2021 as the pandemic led to less travel.
However in 2024, the number of fatalities was the third-lowest recorded in a non-pandemic year.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'Behind every one of these statistics is a person or a household that has been changed forever, and my thoughts are with the families and friends that have lost loved ones and those who've been injured.
'One life lost on our roads is one too many, and I want to reiterate that road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government.
'I updated Parliament last year that fatal casualties were tracking above targets in 2024 and, sadly, the figures published today confirm an overall rise in casualties last year.
'However, I refuse to accept that people being killed or injured on our roads is inevitable and it is more important than ever that we continue to support the vital work of the Scottish Government and partners to save lives.
'We are increasing investment in road safety in this budgetary year to a record £48 million.
'This will help fund safety improvements on both trunk roads and local roads, high-profile campaigns to raise awareness of key issues like speeding, seatbelts and drink/drug-driving, as well as advancing the use of technology aimed at making our roads safer.
'It's vital that we continue to work with 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.
'I recently spoke to organisations at the Road Safety Scotland annual seminar and I am set to chair the next strategic partnership board meeting later this month, where I will continue to impress the importance of road safety investment on members.
'These figures are a painful reminder of the challenge we face, but 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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