DEATHS and serious injuries on the region's roads are increasing, latest data reveals.

And pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikers are amongst those most at risk.

Road safety charity Brake says the number of people killed or seriously injured on Yorkshire and Humber roads last year rose by 20 per cent compared to 2020.

Of the 2,813 casualties, 929 were cyclists or people on foot – up 16 per cent from the previous year.

And the group accounted for 44 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on roads with speed limits of 30mph or less.

Nearly one in five of all casualties – 488 – were motorcyclists, a rise of 23 per cent from 2020.

West Yorkshire-based Brake released the figures to coincide with Road Safety Week, which begins today (November 14).

The charity – which provides help to families affected by road accidents, and campaigns for safety improvements – is calling on drivers to learn and follow the new Highway Code, which changed this year to give greater priority to cyclists and pedestrians.

It is also urging all motorists to stay within speed limits, watch out for people and allow more space for cyclists and others.

Schools, employers and community groups across the region are supporting the week – organised by Brake – with awareness-raising activities.

Free activity packs can be downloaded at brake.org.uk/RSW.

Mary Williams, the charity's chief executive, says: "Our national road victim service sees the devastation caused by road crashes, which strike at the heart of families. We can and must all work together to stop these appalling tragedies and make our roads safe for all.

"Whether you are a driver slowing down, an employer introducing more safe driving policies or a community working with a local authority for a 20mph limit, we can all make a difference."

Road Safety Week is sponsored by Arval UK, DHL and VisionTrack.

Simon Marsh, for VisionTrack, said: "We want to create a world where all road users are kept safe from harm, so we are incredibly proud to be supporting Brake – once again – with its annual Road Safety Week.

"As part of our activity, we’ve reached out to our customer base – which is collectively responsible for fleet drivers travelling over four million miles every day – to share important road safety messages. Together, we can create even more opportunities to drive the vital road safety agenda."