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Calls for zero road deaths
as road casualty figures rise
BRAKE, the road safety charity, is calling on
the government to take action to reduce the numbers killed and seriously injured
on our roads. In recent years road safety policy has been diminished by a lack
of interest, urgency and resources, the consequences of which are becoming
increasingly apparent as our road casualty figures begin to rise. Brake is
calling on the government to act now to uphold its commitment to zero road
deaths and injuries on the road.
Road casualty figures released by the Department for Transport reveal an
alarming increase in overall road deaths and serious injuries (6%), although
there has been a small drop in slight injuries over the same period. Road
casualties have increased for all road users during this period, with car
occupant casualties increasing by 10% and motorcyclist casualties by 5% The
number of children (aged 0 to 15) killed or seriously injured on our roads has
risen by 8%. Clear evidence that action needs to be taken, particularly to
protect our most vulnerable road users.
Worryingly, the government's provisional estimates suggest that there has been
a:- "statistically significant" increase in the numbers killed and seriously
injured in a crash where one or more of the drivers were under the influence of
alcohol. The number of collisions involving alcohol increased by 2% over the
same period, revealing a widespread problem that must be addressed if we are to
keep our road users safe. Brake is calling on the government to increase the
resources available to the Police so they can crack down on dangerous drivers
that choose to get behind the wheel when they are over the limit.
Lucy Amos, research advisor for Brake, said:- "The figures released today
are a clear indication that action should be taken. The significant rise in road
deaths and injuries, particularly in those associated with drink driving must
not be ignored. In 2015, the government committed us to a Vision Zero policy; a
future where there are no road deaths or serious injuries on our roads. If this
is to be achieved, the gradual rise in road casualties must be stopped now."
This is why Brake is calling for the reintroduction of ambitious road casualty
targets to provide motivation for safer roads at the national level;
"Increased investment in infrastructure and vehicle development to ensure our
roads are safe and our vehicles secure; and more resources available to the
police to enforce road safety legislation and discourage risk raking behaviour
on our roads."
Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said:- "The figures are heading in
the wrong direction. Five people die every day on UK roads. That is a tragedy
that is seemingly being ignored by Government. We're calling for the
reintroduction of ambitious road casualty targets, increased investment in
infrastructure, and vehicle development to ensure our roads are safe and our
vehicles secure. We also need more resources available to the Police to enforce
the law." |
