Road safety is a critical aspect of any country’s transportation system. The Department for Transport (DfT) has released the latest figures on road accidents and fatalities in the UK for the year 2022, providing valuable insights into the state of road safety in the country. Let’s take a closer look at the numerical data to better understand the road accident landscape in the UK and highlight the importance of prioritising road safety measures to prevent tragedies on the roads. The analysis is based on the report issued by the Department of Transport in May 2023.
In reported road collisions in Great Britain in 2022 there were an estimated:
Key facts
- There were about 1,695 fatalities reported on UK roads.
- Fatality number reported for 2022 is 3% lower than 2019.
- The number of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties in 2022 was 29,795.
- The total number of casualties of all severities in 2022 was 136,002, marking an 11% decline compared to 2019.
There were about 1,695 fatalities reported on UK roads in 2022
Department for Transport (DfT)
Considering the different road user types and demographics, the statistics show:
- the road user type with the biggest estimated percentage change for 2022 compared to 2019 for fatalities was pedestrians, which showed a decline of 20%.
- of the 4 main road user types, car occupants had the biggest estimated percentage change for 2022 compared to 2019 for all casualties, which showed a decline of 16%.
- in 2022, 75% of fatalities and 62% of casualties of all severities were male.
in 2022, 75% of fatalities and 62% of casualties of all severities were male.
Department for Transport (DfT)
Reported road KSI (adjusted) casualties, in Great Britain, 2012 to 2022
Casualties by road user type
1) Fatalities by road user type
- Pedestrians experienced a decline of 20% in fatalities in 2022 compared to 2019, making it the road user type with the biggest estimated percentage change.
- Car occupants saw the most significant decline in all casualties, with a 16% decrease in 2022 compared to 2019.
- In 2022, car occupants accounted for 46% of all road fatalities, while pedestrians represented 22%, motorcyclists 21%, and pedal cyclists 5%.
- Pedal cyclists experienced a 15% decline in fatalities in 2022 compared to 2019.
- Motorcyclists saw a small increase in fatalities in 2022 compared to 2019.
- The category of “Other vehicle occupants,” which includes e-scooters, witnessed an increase in casualties compared to 2019 figures. However, specific data on e-scooter casualties for 2022 is not explicitly covered in this release.
In 2022, car occupants accounted for 46% of all road fatalities, while pedestrians represented 22%, motorcyclists 21%, and pedal cyclists 5%.
Reported road fatalities by road user type, in Great Britain, 2022 (provisional) compared with 2019 and 2012
2) All casualties by road user type
In 2022, 55% of casualties were car occupants, 14% were pedestrians, 12% were motorcyclists and 12% were pedal cyclists. Of these 4 road user types:
- the biggest percentage change compared to 2019 was for car occupants, which showed a decline of 16%
- there was also a decrease for pedestrian and pedal cyclist casualties, but motorcyclist casualty numbers slightly increased compared to 2019
Casualties by age and sex
Overall, in 2022:
- 75% of fatalities and 62% of casualties of all severities were male
- 3% of fatalities and 10% of casualties were aged 16 years old and under
- 25% of fatalities and 29% of casualties were aged 17 to 29 years old
- 23% of fatalities and 7% of casualties were aged 70 years old and over
1) Fatalities by age and sex
Overall, 75% of fatalities were male in 2022.
In 2022 the age group with the most male fatalities was 30 to 49 year olds with 366 fatalities, a decline of 3% compared to 2019. For females the age group with the most fatalities in 2022 was 70 year olds and over with 155 fatalities, a decline of 16% compared to 2019.
The largest reductions are seen in females in the older age groups when comparing to 2019, however when comparing to 2012 these age groups have seen an increase.
As the numbers in each group are small, there can be large fluctuations when comparing between years.
2) All casualties by age and sex
Overall, 62% of casualties of all severities were male in 2022. In 2022 the age group with the most male casualties of all severities was 30 to 49 year olds with 27,539 casualties. For females the 30 to 49 year old age group also had the most casualties of all severities in 2022 with 16,341 casualties.
For females the 30 to 49 year old age group also had the most casualties of all severities in 2022 with 16,341 casualties.
Compared to 2019 there was a larger fall in female casualties than male casualties, this was broadly similar across all age groups.
While UK national figures provide an overview, localised data is essential to address regional road safety challenges.
Regional analysis was not provided in the data summary, but understanding accident rates, types of incidents, and specific risk factors in different regions can guide targeted interventions.
The Vision Zero concept, aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries, remains crucial..The data from 2023 highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve road safety, including strict enforcement of traffic regulations, promoting safe driving behaviours, and investing in infrastructure improvements to mitigate accident risks.
The numerical data from the analysis of road accidents in the UK for 2022 provides valuable insights into the progress made in ensuring road safety. While improvements have been observed in certain areas, it is essential to continue prioritising road safety measures and interventions. Protecting vulnerable road users, promoting safe driving behaviours, and addressing specific risk factors are vital in working towards the Vision Zero goal and preventing tragedies on the roads. By maintaining collaborative efforts and a commitment to road safety, the UK can continue to make strides towards a safer and more secure transportation system for everyone.
