Between 2019 and the end of 2023 there were 4,926 collisions recorded on York and North Yorkshire’s roads which resulted in 6,882 casualties.
Of these, 197 people were killed and 1,562 were seriously injured (Department for Transport, 2025). Through the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, we collate this information and use it to focus our prevention resources in areas where we can have the biggest impact in reducing the number of collisions and injuries.
We also partnered with ORH to build a picture of the risk of being killed or seriously injured on the roads in North Yorkshire. NFCC and ORH have produced a report into the likelihood, consequence and risk of road traffic collisions (RTCs). The project required multiple data sources, which enabled us to define the likelihood of RTCs by type of road (NFCC, 2023).
We analysed the likelihood and consequence of RTCs in terms of the total number, relative proportions and annual rates per kilometre of road. Analysis shows that road class, type, speed and the urban/rural category all affect likelihood and consequence to varying extents, and that the combination of these factors is key. Therefore, a four-factor
categorisation has been applied to every segment of road in determining the final likelihood, consequence and risk values.
Factor |
Example |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
| Road Class | Motorways, A Roads, B Roads | Major roads have more road traffic collisions | Local roads have lower consequences |
| Road Type | Single or dual carriageway, junctions | Roundabouts and traffic islands | Little distinction in categories |
| Speed limit | 70mph, 60mph, 50mph… | More road traffic collisions on higher speeds except 60mph | Consequences increase with speed limit |
| Urban/rural | ONS urban conurbations to rural areas | More road traffic collision in the more urban areas | Rural areas have high consequences |
Compared to the national average, North Yorkshire has fewer roads of higher likelihood, but more roads with higher consequence, meaning that the combined risk measure is broadly in line with the national profile.
Our focus is on preventing and reducing the incidents that cause most harm i.e. the number of fatalities and serious injuries but also providing an effective response in the event of an incident requiring our attendance. Analysis of casualty and collision data enables us to identify who is at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, where the most serious incidents are likely to occur, when they happen, and why.
We use our prevention services to work as part of the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, to reduce the likelihood of road traffic incidents occurring. For example, we will go in to schools to engage with young drivers and provide education and advice. Some of the most at-risk road users in the county are motorcyclists, many of whom are not North Yorkshire residents but come to enjoy the roads and scenery. We visit popular spots for motorcyclists to engage with visitors to the county and provide advice.
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