Road casualties in Great Britain - RAC reaction to latest figures

Reacting to the publication of the 2018 road casualty figures by the Department for Transport, RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“This latest set of data makes for disappointing reading. In short, there has been no meaningful reduction in fatalities at a national level for seven consecutive years now. While we welcome the Government’s renewed focus with the publication of its recent road safety statement, there needs to be a significant shift in policy that will result in far fewer serious collisions.

“Of particular concern are the rises in fatalities among older age groups and a spike in fatalities on motorways – some worrying trends are emerging here that require immediate investigation, to understand the reasons for these increases and what can be done to reduce them. In addition, the Government’s data suggests an increase in motorway collisions where at least one driver has been under the influence of illegal drugs.

“Historically, Great Britain has been proud of its road safety record, but these figures clearly show that is no room for complacency.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC issues warning to drivers as temperatures rise
With temperatures rising across the UK and a heatwave expected in many areas, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
Car park management companies made nearly 4,000 requests a day to the DVLA for vehicle keeper details from April 2024 to March 2025
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Portsmouth’s Chris Alexandrou named RAC Patrol of the Year
Roadside technician gets to drive a brand-new RAC Ford Transit van with coveted ‘P1 RAC’ numberplate
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk