Concern as serious road injuries rise
West Lothian saw a rise in the number of serious road accidents last year.
Figures showed that there were 51 serious accidents on roads around the county in 2018, compared to 43 the year before.
However, there was some good news as the number of accidents in total dropped from 307 in 2017 to 283 in 2018.
Both years saw four fatal accidents, where four people lost their lives.
The total number of people injured was 442 in 2017 and 398 for 2018. Fifty people were seriously injured in 2017, compared to 53 in 2018.
Thirty-nine of those injured in 2017 were children.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson said reducing the number of serious and fatal road collisions remains a priority for police, not only within West Lothian but across Scotland.
He continued: “While it is encouraging to see that there has been no rise in the number of fatalities on West Lothian’s roads in the past year, we will not become complacent in our efforts to improve road safety and reduce casualty figures further.
“We will continue to engage with motorists about safe driving practices and carry out appropriate enforcement action whenever road traffic offences are observed.”
Neil Findlay MSP said every motorist needs to take responsibility for road safety.
He continued: “One road fatality is one too many.
“We are seeing more cars on the roads and people living busier lives so it is important we all take responsibility to drive safely and take account of other road users and pedestrians. Our aim has to be zero fatalities on our roads.”
Miles Briggs MSP said: “The number of accidents where one or more people are injured is at an all-time low in West Lothian, which is very encouraging.
“What is concerning is that the number of accidents where someone is seriously injured has gone up over the last few years in West Lothian and is the highest it has been since 2011.
“There is a trend towards fewer road accidents and the Lothian and Borders police division must continue to enforce speed limits and safe driving in West Lothian.”
Angela Constance MSP said work must continue to make roads in West Lothian and beyond safer.
She said: “While the reduction in the overall number of accidents is good news, showing that the ongoing initiatives to make our roads safer are working, we must continue to work together to reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”