Child pedestrian injuries far more common in England's most deprived areas
Analysis from the Department for Transport shows child pedestrians are almost five times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in England's poorest postcodes than in the richest.
Official figures from the Department for Transport indicate that child pedestrians in England's most deprived neighborhoods face a risk of death or serious injury nearly five times that of peers in affluent zones, a gap that has expanded over ten years. The report notes that 20% of child pedestrian casualties originated in the poorest 10% of postcodes, versus only 4% from the wealthiest. In 2025, total road deaths and serious injuries across Great Britain reached 29,918, with 2,432 victims under 16 years old.
Motorcyclist deaths rose 14% from 2024, contrasting with a 4% decline in car driver fatalities, and speeding contributed to 52% of all deaths. Men accounted for more than three-quarters of fatalities, and motorways, despite carrying 21% of traffic, recorded just 6% of deaths. A DfT spokesperson emphasized the need for equitable safety measures, and Rebecca Guy highlighted the importance of directing resources to the most at-risk communities.
Why it matters
The stark inequality in child road safety highlights a need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
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