Scottish Road Death Numbers Up

The number of road deaths in Scotland has increased for the first time in almost a decade.

Recently, fatalities have been falling across the UK but, according to Transport Scotland, 2014 saw fatal accidents increase by 16% over the previous year. Out of 11,240 road casualties, 200 ended in tragedy.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has expressed its concerns over the figures, calling for incentives for individuals and companies to improve the quality of their driving in order to reduce accidents.

Transport Minister Derek Mackay has echoed the IAM’s position, saying: "The increase in fatalities and the number of people seriously injured in road accidents in 2014 is disappointing.

"However it also demonstrates the need for every one of us to take responsibility when using the road network. The longer term downward trends and the annual decline in the total number of casualties, to the lowest level since records began, are encouraging but more can, and must, be done."

The minister added: "Some of the more recent interventions such as the landmark change in Scotland's drink-drive legislation - which has seen us leading the way in the United Kingdom - will undoubtedly help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives on our roads."

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