Fatal and serious crashes in Devon and Cornwall roads drop to record lows
Latest figures indicate significant improvements in road safety
The number of people killed or seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall's roads has reached record lows, according to new provisional figures from the Department for Transport.
The data reveals that in 2025, 48 people lost their lives, and 495 sustained serious injuries due to road crashes in the region.
This marks the lowest count since modern recording systems were established, with a near 20% decrease compared to figures from 2024.
The number of fatal and serious crashes has been steadily dropping each year since 2022, underscoring significant post-pandemic improvements.
The figures align with the fifth anniversary of Vision Zero South West, a road safety partnership comprising 17 organisations including Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, and South Western Ambulance Service Trust.
The partnership is committed to reducing fatal and serious accidents by 50% by 2030.
Efforts to hit this target include funding various programmes such as motorcycle training, AI camera trials, and pedestrian training for schoolchildren, among other initiatives.
Alison Hernandez, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, chairs Vision Zero South West.
Hernandez stressed the meaningful impact of collective efforts on improving road safety, although she emphasised that more work remains to achieve lasting safety improvements.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, stated the decreasing casualties validate the effective partnership approach.
Leisk highlighted the role of enforcement and technological measures, including speed limit reductions and safety camera installations, in contributing to road safety progress.
Vision Zero South West funds numerous projects, including the Walkability programme for primary school children and social media outreach initiatives targeting young drivers.
These efforts have reportedly garnered extensive engagement, particularly among younger demographics.
For more information about Vision Zero South West and its road safety projects, visit visionzerosouthwest.co.uk.