How Are Fatal Crashes on Scotland's Longest Road Shattering Lives?

A tragic accident on the A9 in Scotland claimed the lives of three family members from the United States, highlighting the dangers of this notorious road. Despite promises to improve safety through dualling, progress has been slow, leaving many to question the measures taken to prevent further tragedies.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The A9 road in Scotland has seen 48 fatalities in the last decade.
• Chris Strong lost his wife Katie and two family members in a crash in August 2022.
• Many accidents occur on single carriageway sections of the A9.
• The completion date for the dualling project has been pushed back to 2035.
• Road safety advocates stress the urgent need for improvements to prevent future tragedies.

The A9: A Road with a Grim History

The A9, stretching 113 miles between Inverness and Perth, is Scotland's longest trunk road. It has gained notoriety for its dangerous sections, with a significant number of accidents and fatalities over the years. The dual carriageway sections are often interrupted by single carriageway stretches, which can lead to dangerous overtaking situations and severe collisions.

Statistics and Safety Concerns

In the past decade, 48 people have died on the A9, most of whom were involved in accidents on the single-carriageway sections. Scottish government data reveals that over 80% of fatalities occurred on these portions of the road, emphasising the urgent need for improvements. In addition, more than 558 individuals have been involved in collisions during the same period, with a similar percentage occurring on undualled segments.

The Tragedy of Chris Strong's Family

In August 2022, Chris Strong's life changed forever when his wife, Katie, along with her brother Jared Bastion and their mother Mary-Lou Mauch, perished in a collision on the A9. They had travelled from the United States to Scotland to visit sites associated with their favourite television series, Outlander. The family had a shared bond over this show, having watched it together while caring for their late father who suffered from dementia.

The Impact of Loss

Chris Strong, who resides in Chicago with their three daughters, has spoken openly about the profound impact of this loss. He described Katie as "the glue that held all the great elements of our families together." Her ambition and relentless spirit made her a beloved figure not only to Chris but also to those who knew her. Chris now keeps her memory alive by sharing stories about her with their children, ensuring that she continues to be a presence in their lives.

First-Hand Accounts of the A9 Dangers

Several locals and frequent users of the A9 have shared their experiences, shedding light on the road's perilous nature. Ronnie Weir, a resident near Dowally, Perthshire, was involved in a serious accident in April 2017 when a driver, who had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, collided head-on with his vehicle. Ronnie sustained leg injuries and continues to feel the effects of that traumatic experience daily.

Life as a Lorry Driver on the A9

Lorry driver Elaine MacKenzie, who regularly navigates the A9, expressed her concerns about the road's safety. She prays for her safety and that of others each time she sets out. Elaine noted that many drivers fail to comprehend road signs or attempt to overtake in dangerous areas, contributing to the high accident rate. She believes that if the A9 were fully dualled, it would significantly reduce the risk of accidents, allowing safer overtaking opportunities.

Government Response and Future Plans

The Scottish Government initially committed to dualling the A9 in 2007, with a target completion date of 2025. However, in February 2023, officials conceded that this timeline was unrealistic, pushing the deadline back to 2035. Transport Secretary Mairi McAllan acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the project and reiterated the government's commitment to improving road safety in the interim. Despite some progress—11 miles of road upgraded over the past decade—77 miles remain to be dualled.

Challenges and Delays

The delays in the dualling project have raised concerns among safety advocates like Laura Hansler, a campaigner with the A9 Dual Action Group. She highlighted the tragic consequences of each delay, stating that it could lead to further fatalities on the road. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has stated that the government is not solely waiting for the dualling to be completed but is also investing in immediate road safety measures, amounting to £5 million in funding.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The tragic events surrounding the A9 have underscored the urgent need for road safety improvements. With lives at stake, the slow progress of the dualling project raises important questions about the prioritisation of safety on one of Scotland's busiest roads. As families like Chris Strong's continue to bear the pain of loss, it becomes increasingly clear that more must be done to prevent future tragedies. How can we ensure that our roads are made safer for all users?

#A9Safety #RoadSafetyScotland #OutlanderTragedy

FAQs

What is the A9 road known for?

The A9 road is known for being Scotland's longest trunk road, infamous for its high number of accidents and fatalities, particularly on its single-carriageway sections.

How many fatalities have occurred on the A9 in the last decade?

In the last decade, there have been 48 fatalities on the A9, with a significant majority occurring on single-carriageway sections of the road.

What is being done to improve safety on the A9?

The Scottish Government has committed to dualling the A9, with a revised completion date of 2035. Additionally, £5 million has been allocated for interim road safety improvements.

What factors contribute to accidents on the A9?

Accidents on the A9 are often attributed to factors such as dangerous overtaking, drivers misunderstanding road signs, and the road's frequent transitions between single and dual carriageway sections.

Who was Katie Strong, and what happened to her?

Katie Strong was a 46-year-old woman from the US who tragically died in a car accident on the A9 while visiting Scotland with her family. She was remembered as a dedicated wife and mother.