The latest data shows that the road safety strategy UK is failing to deliver meaningful progress, with road deaths falling by just 1% to 1,602 fatalities in 2024. Despite major changes in vehicles, technology and road use over the past decade, the risk of being killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads remains unacceptably high.

Data from the Department for Transport shows that road deaths have fallen by just 10% between 2014 and 2024, underlining a decade of limited progress and reinforcing concerns about the effectiveness of the road safety strategy UK. During the same period, the UK has dropped in international rankings, placing ninth worst out of 32 European countries for reducing road deaths between 2023 and 2024, behind countries including Italy and Portugal.

Why the UK Has Lost Its Road Safety Leadership

The UK was once considered a global leader in road safety. However, the absence of a comprehensive and updated national strategy has contributed to slower progress compared to other European countries.

Research shows that without a clear, evidence-based approach supported by long-term investment, road safety improvements plateau. This is why the introduction of a renewed road safety strategy UK has been identified as a critical priority.

The Need for a Clear National Road Safety Framework

A new national strategy was a key recommendation in RoSPA’s National Accident Prevention Strategy, which highlighted the scale of preventable accidents across society. Experience from devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales shows that structured strategies with measurable targets are essential for saving lives.

The publication of a new Road Safety Strategy by the Department for Transport is therefore a welcome and timely step, reinforcing the need for a stronger road safety strategy UK at a time when road traffic casualties remain persistently high.

New Safety Targets Under the Road Safety Strategy UK

One of the most positive developments is the introduction of clear and ambitious road safety targets. When supported by reliable data, regular reporting and strong enforcement, these targets create accountability and allow policymakers to adjust actions when progress stalls.

Targets ensure that road safety policy is driven by outcomes rather than intentions, helping to refocus efforts on reducing deaths and serious injuries.

Safer Vehicles Through Mandatory Technology

The government’s proposal to consult on mandating 18 new vehicle safety technologies represents a significant opportunity to improve road safety. These measures aim to better protect pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

If implemented, these changes are estimated to prevent over 14,000 deaths or serious injuries on Great Britain’s roads over the next 15 years, ensuring new vehicles meet modern safety standards.

Reducing Drink-Driving Risks

Support is growing for reducing the legal drink-driving limit. Scientific evidence consistently shows that even small amounts of alcohol impair reaction time, judgement and coordination.

Lowering the limit would send a strong message that drink-driving is unacceptable and reinforce the preventative focus of the road safety strategy UK.

Vision Checks and Driver Safety

Proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over have also been welcomed. Good vision is essential for safe driving, and regular checks can help identify risks early.

Any system should balance safety with independence, enabling people to drive safely for as long as possible while taking action when health issues create danger.

Protecting Young and New Drivers

While policy attention is rightly focused on older drivers, young and newly qualified motorists continue to be among the highest-risk groups on the road, highlighting ongoing gaps in the road safety strategy UK. Measures such as a minimum learning period are a positive step, but stronger post-test protections are still needed to reduce serious injuries and fatalities among new drivers.

What Is the Road Safety Investigation Branch?

A significant weakness in road safety governance has been the absence of a national system to investigate road deaths, exposing a key gap in the road safety strategy UK. Unlike aviation and rail, road collisions have not been supported by a consistent national framework for learning lessons and preventing future incidents.

The proposed Road Safety Investigation Branch will analyse serious incidents, identify systemic issues and make formal safety recommendations, creating opportunities to prevent future tragedies.

Turning Strategy Into Action

This renewed focus signals determination to reduce preventable road harm. However, success will depend on effective delivery, sustained funding and strong enforcement.

A bold and evidence-driven road safety strategy UK must now be translated into real-world action to restore the UK’s leadership in road safety and, most importantly, save lives.

For organisations and professionals seeking wider guidance on safety, prevention and risk reduction, OSHAssociation.org offers practical education and awareness resources focused on occupational health, road safety and accident prevention. By promoting evidence-based safety practices and supporting a proactive approach to risk management, the platform helps employers, policymakers and individuals contribute to safer roads and healthier communities.

🔹 FAQs

Why have UK road deaths only fallen by 1%?
A lack of a comprehensive national road safety strategy and inconsistent enforcement has slowed progress.

What is the new road safety strategy aiming to achieve?
It focuses on reducing deaths through clear targets, safer vehicles, improved enforcement and better driver standards.

How will vehicle safety technology help?
Mandatory safety systems can prevent collisions and reduce the severity of crashes, protecting all road users.

What is the Road Safety Investigation Branch?
It will investigate serious road incidents nationally to identify causes and recommend safety improvements.