The Department for Transport’s (DfT) data on reported road casualties in Great Britain 2015 shows there were 65 goods vehicle occupants killed last year – up 38% on the figure of 47 for 2014.
The figure for those seriously injured increased 5% from 532 in 2014 to 560 in 2015. However there was a 5% improvement in the total for slightly injured, from 5,747 to 5,448, helping lead to a 4% improvement in the overall figure for casualties from 6,326 to 6,073.
However, the latest figures also reveal a total of 365 motorcyclists were killed during 2015 – an 8% increase from 339 in 2014.
Commenting on the figures, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and research, Neil Greig, said: “The rise in goods vehicle-related deaths is worrying and is probably linked to the surge in van sales and use on Britain’s roads. IAM RoadSmart supports police campaigns to crack down on those driving for business, but we also need more firms to step up the plate and take occupational road safety more seriously.”
