The DfT has acknowledged that by the end of 2021, road casualties statistics had returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Final figures for 2021 show there were 1,558 road deaths, a 7% year-on-year rise from the 1,460 reported in 2020.
However, the 2021 figure still represents a decrease of 11% from 2019.
As has been widely reported over the last few years, casualty statistics have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdown periods leading to a reduction in traffic on the roads.
As the first half of 2021 also had a lockdown, the DfT says the overall figures for 2021 remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.
However, it concedes that over the second half of the year, both casualties and traffic returned to levels similar to those in 2019.
For example, in the first quarter of 2021 – when the lockdown was in effect – there were 21,851 reported casualties. This is 39% fewer than the same period in 2019 (35,551).
However by Q3 2021, there were a total of 36,159 casualties, just 9% lower than 2019 (39,704).
“Little progress is being made” – RAC
The DfT stats also show an increase in the fatality rate compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In 2021 there were an estimated 5.2 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, compared to the 5.1 reported in 2019.
The rate was however lower than in 2020 – when it stood at 5.4.
The RAC has expressed concern over the lack of progress being made – and is calling on the Government to take action.
Simon Williams, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “While the overall number of road deaths is down on pre-pandemic levels, the fatality rate per billion miles driven has increased suggesting little progress is being made in making our roads safer.
“We urge the Government to publish its updated road safety plan which focuses on both improving car safety – including mandating technology such as intelligent speed assist in new cars – as well as measures to tackle poor driving standards and illegal behaviour behind the wheel.”
29 September 2022