New data from the Department for Transport reveals that Somerset recorded one of the highest numbers of road deaths in the South West during 2024, underscoring the region’s pressing road safety challenges.
In total, 1,602 people died on British roads last year, marking a slight 1% decrease compared to 2023. Although overall casualties fell by 4% to 128,272, Somerset experienced 39 fatalities—including areas covering Bristol and Bath—and 2,798 total casualties.
Within Somerset’s council boundaries (excluding Bristol, North Somerset, and Bath and North East Somerset), there were 25 fatalities, second only to Devon with 27, making Somerset the deadliest council area in the South West for road deaths. This figure surpasses combined fatalities in Bristol (7), North Somerset (4), and Bath and North East Somerset (3).
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Road deaths nationally are most common among car drivers and passengers (692 fatalities), followed by pedestrians (409) and motorcyclists (340). Deaths among motorcyclists rose by 8% last year, while pedestrian fatalities increased by 1%. Despite these rises, deaths involving car occupants decreased by 5%.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warns that “progress on road safety has stalled,” emphasizing that vulnerable road users now make up over half of all fatalities. The organization urges urgent action to protect these groups through the forthcoming National Road Safety Strategy.
Notably, rural areas bear the brunt of fatalities, with 60% of all deaths occurring on rural roads compared to 555 deaths in urban locations. This highlights a critical need for targeted interventions outside city centers.
RoSPA recommends implementing proven measures such as reduced speed limits in high-risk zones, enhanced enforcement, safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and broader adoption of 20mph zones in residential and school areas. The group also calls for public education campaigns and policy reforms including graduated driver licensing and stricter drink-driving limits.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, stated: “These statistics are a stark reminder that without a renewed focus and evidence-driven strategies, road deaths will continue to claim lives unnecessarily. Our report ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’ outlines the comprehensive steps needed to reverse stagnation in road safety improvements.”
Data shows that males account for a disproportionate share of fatalities—76% of deaths and 61% of casualties—with men aged 30 to 49 most at risk.
Despite these concerns, Great Britain remains among the safest countries globally for driving, with 24 fatalities per million people in 2024, trailing only Norway, Sweden, and Malta in safety performance.