Recent data from the Department for Transport highlights Somerset as one of the deadliest places to drive in Great Britain. According to provisional casualty figures for 2024, there were 1,633 fatalities on British roads—a slight 1% increase from the previous year.
Overall, more than 29,500 people were killed or seriously injured, a figure consistent with 2023, while minor injuries fell by 4% to around 99,000. The highest number of fatalities involved car drivers and passengers (710), followed by pedestrians (413) and motorcyclists (343).
The risk varies greatly across the UK, with rural and less urbanised areas, including Somerset, experiencing higher numbers of severe injuries and deaths compared to major cities. Among over 200 upper-tier council areas, Somerset ranked joint 15th for the number of road fatalities, with 209 people seriously injured and a total of 1,217 casualties, including minor injuries, last year.
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The Department for Transport’s figures also show a gender and age disparity in road casualties. Men accounted for 76% of fatalities and 60% of casualties overall. Age-wise, fatalities were evenly split between those aged 17 to 29 and those over 70, each group representing 22% of deaths. The 17 to 29 age group also made up the largest proportion (28%) of all casualties.
Despite these sobering numbers, there is progress: road safety has improved steadily over the years. Compared to 2015, 2024 saw 97 fewer fatalities, 3,500 fewer serious injuries or deaths, and nearly 28,000 fewer total casualties on British roads, even as vehicle usage continues to rise.