IAM welcomes decrease in road casualty statistics
(PRWEB UK) 26 June 2014 -- The latest Department for Transport road casualty statistics released today show a decrease by 2 per cent compared with 2012. This is the lowest figure since national records began in 1926.1
• In 2013, 1,713 people were killed in road accidents, the lowest number on record, and half as many as in 2000.
• In 2013, 21,657 people were seriously injured in road accidents.
• The total number of casualties of all severities in 2013 was 183,670.
• Car occupant fatalities in 2013 decreased to 785, down 2 per cent compared with 2012 and 44 per cent compared with the 2005-2009 average.
• There were 398 pedestrian deaths, 5 per cent fewer than in 2012.
• The number of pedal cyclists killed decreased by 8 per cent from 118 in 2012 to 109 in 2013.
• The number of motorcycle users killed increased by 1 per cent from 328 in 2012 to 331 in 2013, the first increase since 2006.
• The number of people killed on motorways increased by 14 per cent to 100 in 2013, the first increase since 2005, Seriously injured casualties also increased by 1 per cent to 660, the first increase since 2007,
IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The IAM welcomes the overall decrease in road deaths in 2013 which maintains the recent downward trends despite our roads getting a little busier as the economy picks up upward. We are however still killing nearly five people every day.”
“It is worrying that motorways have seen a 14 per cent increase in deaths which is only partly explained by a 1.5 per cent increase in traffic on them. It is vital that the government keeps a close eye on these figures as the Highway Agency rolls out its programme of widespread hard shoulder running as opposed to proper motorway widening.”
“The problem of death and serious injury among motorcycle riders remains and the IAM want to see more use of training opportunities and partnerships to improve both skills and attitudes.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/323320/rrcgb-main-results-2013.pdf.
2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.
Media contacts:
IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777
press.office(at)iam(dot)org.uk
ISDN broadcast lines available
iam.org.uk
ENDS ALL
Tanvir Nandra, Institute of Advanced Motorists, +44 2089969777, [email protected]
Share this article