Deaths on the Roads Drop to a Record Low

A recent study has shown that road deaths have dropped to their lowest lower level in 90 years since records began in 1926.

New figures published from the Department for Transport shown that 1,754 people were killed in road traffic accident in 2012, which is down 8% on 2011. However, the Office for National Statistics also revealed a rise of 10% in the number of cyclists who lost their lives in 2012.

Of the 1,754 people killed, 420 people were pedestrians which is a decrease of 7% compared to 2012. The number of serious injuries on the roads also fell 0.4 per cent to 23,039. The number of children killed or seriously injured dropped 6 per cent to 2,272. In addition, figures also showed that the number of children killed increased by 1 to 61.

AA president Edmund King said car technology such as braking sensors, crumple zones and airbags had ‘dramatically’ improved car safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

But he added: ‘High fuel prices mean motorists are also diving less. So fewer cars on the road mean fewer accidents.’

In contrast, the number of cyclists killed on the roads rose from 107 in 2011 to 118 last year, with serious injuries rising to 3,222.

The Department for Transport said it was likely that the unusually high levels of rainfall in 2012 had reduced the number of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists using the roads.

Julie Townsend, of road safety charity Brake, said: “Road crashes are violent, sudden events that tear apart families and whole communities. They are also a huge economic burden, and preventable through investment in education, engineering and enforcement.

“While progress towards fewer deaths and injuries is hugely welcome, it is important to acknowledge every person behind these statistics.

“For every one of the 1,754 people killed violently and needlessly in 2012, many more are left behind to grieve their loss, often suffering very serious trauma.”

The full report can be accessed here.