IAM comment on quarter three road casualty statistics

The latest Department for Transport road casualty statistics released today show an increase in casualties for vulnerable road users.

• There were 1,760 fatalities in road accidents in the year ending September 2012, a 7 per cent drop from the year ending September 2011 (1,883).
• However, the number of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists killed or seriously injured increased by 6, 8 and 4 per cent respectively in the same period.
• This means 6,040 pedestrians, 3,270 cyclists and 5,440 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured between October 2011 and September 2012.
• The number of fatal accidents on major roads (motorways and A roads) fell by 9 per cent and the number of fatal or serious accidents fell by 2 per cent.
• However, fatal and serious accidents rose by 5 per cent on minor roads and similarly 5 per cent on built-up roads. 

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "It is reassuring to see an overall drop in the number of road casualties, however this should not mask the increase of deaths and serious injuries for cyclists and pedestrians."

"The rise in the number of fatal and serious accidents on minor and built-up roads is concerning. The government needs to think about which roads are the safest and where they should be dedicating their resources."

The IAM would like to see:

• Changes to the driving test to make drivers much more aware of cyclists and pedestrians
• Improved infrastructure for cyclists, including more segregated cycle paths
• The government commit to reinstate funding for road safety campaigns and education