This is according to the Department for Transport’s final reported road casualty statistics for 2025, published last month.
They reveal that 1,538 people died in crashes in Britain last year. While that is 4% fewer than in 2024, there were 1,118 more people seriously injured in 2025 than in 2024.
In total in 2025, 29,918 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes in Britain, a 4% increase compared with 2024.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists make up more than half (56%) of deaths and serious injuries, a disproportionately large number when factoring in their share of traffic.
This brings into sharp focus the fact that the most vulnerable people on our streets are the ones who need the greatest protection and pay the greatest price when collisions happen.
For Road Safety Week 2026 (15-21 November), Brake is highlighting that whoever we are and however we travel, by using our roads safely we can help to protect ourselves and each other.
Importantly, those with the potential to do the most harm must take the greatest responsibility for safeguarding people who are more vulnerable on roads than them.
Ross Moorlock, Brake's CEO, said: "It is heartening to hear that fewer people died as a result of road crashes last year than in 2024. However, more people are sustaining serious, life-changing injuries and this is not acceptable, especially considering the fact that these outcomes are avoidable.
“We bear witness to the real-life impact of road death and serious injury every day. Brake’s National Road Victim Service supported around 3,200 people in 2025 – more than ever before. These are real people whose lives have been thrown into turmoil after devastating collisions, and real families who will forever be dealing with the trauma crashes cause.
“The numbers are alarming and really highlight the urgent need for measures to prevent road collisions. Crucially, we must do more to better protect the groups at greatest risk when they’re on the move – people who walk, cycle and ride motorbikes.
“That’s why Road Safety Week 2026 is more important than ever. We need everybody to commit to playing their part in making the roads safer places to be – every journey, every time.”
Taking place each November, Road Safety Week is a national campaign run by Brake, to raise awareness of the devastating impact of road death and injury and call for key measures to make roads safer.
Thousands of schools, organisations and community groups are already signed up to take part this year. Brake provides a free action pack of resources that includes toolkits, social media images, teaching resources and more. Visit www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week to find out more.
In Great Britain in 2025*:
- 1,538 people were killed in crashes (1,602 in 2024 – 4% decline)
- 28,380 people were seriously injured in crashes (27,262 in 2024 – 4% increase)
- 29,918 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes (28,864 in 2024 – 4% increase)
- Motorcyclists make up 20% of deaths and serious injuries
- Pedestrians account for 21% of deaths and serious injuries
- 15% of people killed or seriously injured were pedal cyclists
- Car occupants made up 38% of the numbers killed or seriously injured
- At least one-quarter of crashes are thought to involve someone driving or riding for work.
*The figures for 2024 stated are different from published statistics. This is because the Department for Transport adjusts numbers for serious injuries to account for changes in police reporting.
Road user behaviour
The statistics also show that almost two-thirds (63%) of fatal collisions in 2025 involved speed, alcohol or drugs, not wearing seatbelts, or using a mobile phone, collectively known as the ‘fatal four’.
Speed-related factors – driving or riding over the speed limit or too fast for conditions – were recorded as factors in 52% of fatal road crashes, and alcohol or drugs were recorded in 21%. In 44% of fatal crashes, distraction or impairment contributed to the collision.
Most collisions where a contributory factor was identified resulted from a combination of different factors, highlighting that there are often several different circumstances that lead to a road crash.
The safe system approach is one where all the elements of the road system – vehicles, infrastructure, speed limits, road users, and post-crash care – work together to reduce the chance of a crash and to minimise harm should a crash happen.
Road Safety Week 2026 focuses on the road user element, putting people at the heart of road safety. The campaign will explore how we can all be safe when we’re on the move – every journey, every time.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland in 2025, a total of 1,122 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes, an increase of 11.3% compared with 2024. Again, this sharp rise is largely due to a jump in numbers of people seriously injured – from 939 in 2024 to1,066 in 2025 (13.5%). There were 13 (19%) fewer deaths on Northern Ireland's roads in 2025 (56 versus 69).
Road Safety Week 2026 is sponsored by Hastings Direct, National Accident Helpline and Waymo. Last year, more than 3,600 schools, organisations and individuals signed up to take part in Road Safety Week, together reaching almost 11 million people across the UK.
Find out more and sign up to take part at www.brake.org.uk/roadsafetyweek.