Road traffic statistics since 1950 and Scottish accident claims

UK media appears to be forever obsessed with horrific road traffic accident reports that make for pretty bleak comprehension; however, a brief look at car accident statistics from Scotland could lead you to believe that Scottish accident claims could be on the decrease.

According to statistics available at The Scottish Government publications website serious road traffic accidents in Scotland peaked in 1974 and have steadily fallen since that time.

Current types of accident and injury records go back to 1950, at which time approximately 4,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Scottish roads. Figures then rose steadily until 1974 when numbers peaked at approximately 10,000 serious injuries and around 800 deaths.

Numbers of car accidents dropped sharply in 1974 and 1975, largely due to the fuel crisis that occurred. A national speed limit of 50 mph was imposed and the overall volume of traffic on the UK's roads fell by 3%. By 1976, Scottish car accidents had increased again, reaching a peak of 23,100 in 1979.

In 1983, road regulation reforms resulting from the 1981Transport Act were fully implemented. Laws relating to drink driving were changed, and the introduction of evidential breath testing came into force. The wearing of front seat belts became compulsory, and licensing laws for learner motorcyclists were changed.

The number of serious road accidents rose again in 1985, but the number of fatalities fell.

In 1987, the government announced road accident reduction targets to be achieved by the year 2000. Their aim was to reduce all levels of road traffic accident casualties by a third when compared to 1981-85 average figures.

By 2000, the number of fatalities on Scottish roads had reduced by 49% from the 1981-85 average. The number of serious injuries had reduced by 57%.

However, slight injury accidents fell by only 9%, and the overall number of accidents, of all severities, fell by 24%, thus missing the one third' target.

Scottish accident claims with YouClaim
Whilst the above accident figures show a reassuring trend that serious injuries and fatalities on Scottish roads are falling, sadly, car crashes continue to occur.

If you have been in a road traffic accident in Scotland that was not your fault you may be able to make a compensation claim with YouClaim. YouClaim's panel of personal injury solicitors are experienced in making successful Scottish accident claims and are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, thereby guaranteeing you the highest level of professionalism at all times.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, which we enhance with a promise that you do not have to pay for our legal services whether you win or lose. We also ensure you will receive 100% of any award that is made. Quite simply you will never have to pay us a penny.

So, if you have been involved in a car accident and wish to make a compensation claim in Scotland call our helpline now on 0800 10 757 95 and our friendly operators can advise you if you are eligible to claim. Alternatively we can call you back at a time to suit you or you could even fill in our online claim form and we will look into your Scottish accident claim before calling you back at a time of your choosing.