Scottish road deaths fall but work still needed, says RoSPA

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents welcomed an 11 per cent fall in deaths on Scotland’s roads but warned against complacency.

Figures published show that 281 people were killed last year – 33 fewer than in 2006 and the lowest number since records began. Serious injuries also fell by 11 per cent to 2,375.

But there was a rise in the number of people killed in light goods vehicles – from six in 2006 to 13 in 2007 - and also an increase in serious injuries among motorcyclists and cyclists.

Kathleen Braidwood, RoSPA Road Safety Officer for Scotland, said: “The overall fall in Scottish road deaths and injuries to the lowest number since records began is welcome news.

“But we must guard against complacency, as the disappointing increase in light goods vehicle fatalities shows. RoSPA has campaigned for more than a decade for organisations to take seriously the safety of their employees, and others, on the roads. Employers can play a major role in reducing accidents, such as through risk assessment and training for their drivers, tackling driver tiredness and planning safe routes.

“It is also disappointing to note the rise in serious injuries to motorcyclists and cyclists. Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and we need to see improvements in their training to help them develop the skills and experience they need. We also need to look for ways to make our roads safer for cyclists, which could include better training for cyclists themselves, greater awareness among drivers and dedicated cycle routes.”

The figures support RoSPA’s call for drivers and riders to take refresher training. Loss of control was a contributory factor in 40 per cent of fatal accidents, travelling too fast for the conditions was a factor in 18 per cent, and a driver or rider failing to look properly was also a factor in 18 per cent.

Kathleen Braidwood said: “Refresher training can help drivers and riders to improve their safety by increasing concentration and observation. It can also help them to get more enjoyment from their time behind the wheel or on their bike. Many people develop bad habits over time without realising it and training helps to iron these out.”

The total number of road casualties reported in Scotland in 2007 (including deaths, serious injuries and slight injuries) was 16,163 – six per cent fewer than in 2006.