Road deaths up by 16% in Scotland

Almost half of road deaths were car users

Twenty-eight more people were killed on Scotland's roads last year than in the previous 12 months, according to figures just published.

There were 200 fatalities in 2014, an increase of 16% on the previous year. The number of people seriously injured also increased by 1% to 1,694.

The figures showed there were 1,040 child casualties, a fall of 2%.

Overall the total number of road casualties - 11,240 - was the lowest since records began in 1950.

The road casualty figures have been declining for almost four decades but for the first time for eight years the number of fatalities went up.

The official government figures showed that the 200 road deaths included 93 car users, 56 pedestrians, 31 motorcyclists and eight pedal cyclists

They showed seven children among the 200 deaths, two fewer than 2013.

There were 171 children seriously injured, up from 143 in 2013.

According to the statistics, there were five fewer pedal cyclists killed but 18 more pedestrian fatalities.

There were also eight more motorcyclists killed and four more car user fatalities.

Read here for Scotland's road deaths in numbers

The statistics showed:

• 11,240 road casualties reported in 2014 (down 2%)

• 200 fatalities (up by 28 on 2013)

• 1,694 seriously injured (up 1%)

• 9,346 slightly injured (down 3%)

• 6,760 car users injured (down 3%)

• 93 car user deaths (4 more than 2013)

• 1,739 pedestrian casualties (0.5% less than 2013)

• 56 pedestrian deaths (18 more than 2013)

• 819 motorcycle casualties (up 6%)

• 31 motorcycle fatalities (8 more than 2013)

• 885 pedal cycle casualties (no change)

• 8 pedal cyclist deaths (5 fewer than 2013)

• 287 bus and coach user casualties (down 27%)

• 1,040 child casualties

• 7 child deaths on the road (2 fewer than last year)

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: "The increase in fatalities and the number of people seriously injured in road accidents in 2014 is disappointing.

"However it also demonstrates the need for every one of us to take responsibility when using the road network. The longer term downward trends and the annual decline in the total number of casualties, to the lowest level since records began, are encouraging but more can, and must, be done."

The minister added: "Some of the more recent interventions such as the landmark change in Scotland's drink-drive legislation - which has seen us leading the way in the United Kingdom - will undoubtedly help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives on our roads.

"Other innovations such as the A9 average speed camera programme are already delivering benefits, and significant investment is improving safety for cyclists.

"We are also encouraging councils to cut speed in towns and cities through our revised 20mph limit guidance. I am confident that these developments will have a positive impact going forward."