Child pedestrian casualties are almost five times higher in England's most deprived areas than its wealthiest, according to official analysis from the Department for Transport (DfT). The figures reveal a widening gap in road deaths and injuries between poor and wealthy postcodes over the past decade.
Key statistics from 2025
In 2025, 29,918 people were reported killed or seriously injured across Great Britain's roads, 2,432 of whom were under 16. The total was 3% above the 2022-24 average, while fatalities fell 4% to 1,538. The DfT analysis of where the most serious accidents occurred in England showed stark differences in casualty proportions from poorer and wealthier areas, particularly among younger people.
More than 20% of child pedestrians killed or injured lived in the most deprived 10% of areas, compared with 4% living in the least deprived, according to the DfT report on deprivation and road casualties in England.
Links between deprivation and road risk
The report found strong links between casualties and deprivation for all pedestrians and bus users. The difference is less stark for car occupants, but mileage is higher in wealthier postcodes. The analysts said this "suggests that the risk for car occupants is much higher for the most deprived income deciles even though they have less exposure."
Overall British figures released by the government showed fatalities continued to rise for motorcycle users, countering the falling death toll for car drivers. Campaigners said the 14% rise – from 325 deaths in 2024 to 372 last year – needed a response.
Campaigner reaction
Rebecca Guy of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "It is particularly concerning that the gap between the most and least deprived areas has widened over the last decade. If the government is serious about reducing road deaths and serious injuries, tackling inequality must be at the heart of its approach. That means targeting investment and prevention efforts toward the communities at greatest risk, ensuring everyone has access to safe roads, safe infrastructure and safe journeys."
Motorcyclists were one of the most vulnerable groups on the roads and the figures reinforced the need for targeted action to improve their safety, she said.
Additional findings
Speeding was a factor in 52% of recorded deaths on Great Britain's roads last year. More than three-quarters of those killed across all types of accidents were male, the figures show. Motorways were statistically the safest roads per mile travelled in 2025 – accounting for only 6% of fatalities despite carrying 21% of traffic.
A DfT spokesperson said: "Everyone should feel safe on our roads, no matter where they live. Our road safety strategy, the first in over a decade, recognises that people from deprived areas can face higher risks on the road. That's why it aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries for all road users. We will keep track of the strategy's impact, including how it affects people in more deprived areas to make sure measures are fair to all communities."
