The government’s 2024 road casualty statistics for Great Britain have been released, showing fatal and serious injury figures remain stubbornly unchanged – a trend that has lasted for more than 15 years.
One of the most concerning findings is the increase in tyre-related casualties. A total of 172 Killed or Seriously Injured (KSIs) were linked to tyres in 2024, up from 153 in 2023 and above the five-year average of 163.
Powered two-wheelers saw a sharp rise, with 36 tyre-related KSIs in 2024, marking a 24% increase year-on-year and the highest level recorded in the past decade. Car occupants also remain a key group affected, with tyre-related KSIs at 107 in 2024 – five more than the long-term average.
TyreSafe has voiced strong concern over the figures. Chair Stuart Lovatt commented: “The 2024 figure of 172 tyre-related KSIs is especially alarming, as it is 9 higher than the 5-year average and represents a significant step backwards.”
The charity is campaigning for tyre defects to be formally recognised in the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy and is calling for more education and tougher enforcement to reduce the risks posed by unsafe tyres.
With millions of tyres on UK roads reported to be illegal or poorly maintained, trainers and road users alike are being urged to take tyre checks seriously as a simple step to prevent collisions.
The full government casualty statistics for 2024 are available on the Department for Transport website.
