Rural roads are Britain’s biggest killers, accounting for two-thirds of deaths in England and three-quarters of all road deaths in Scotland and Wales, according to research by the IAM Motoring Trust.
Today, an average day in Britain, nine people will die in traffic accidents – six of them losing their lives on country roads. Men and young drivers are most at risk, and the most deadly roads are single carriageways, according the IAM Trust’s report: Rural Roads – the biggest killer. The report’s findings are to be presented to Ministers and road safety bodies at the House of Commons tomorrow (14 November).
The report is based on accident figures for six years from 2000 to 2005 in which more than 20,000 people died on Britain’s roads – and 10 times as many were seriously injured.
Third of all killed or injured in cars driven by under 25s
A third of all rural road deaths and serious injuries are in cars with young drivers, aged between 17 and 25 years old. This age group was more likely to have single vehicle accidents in which the vehicle left the road and more likely to be in fatal collisions involving three or more car occupants.
The report reveals that middle-aged drivers were more likely to be involved in head-on collisions; and older drivers were more frequently involved in accidents at junctions.
Country claims the lives of men
Men – whether in cars, on motorcycles, bikes or as pedestrians – are more likely than women to be involved in fatal accidents on rural roads. Men account for two-thirds (66%) of pedestrians; almost three-quarters (72%) of car drivers and occupants; 85% of cyclists; and 95% of motorcycle riders/passengers who are killed or seriously injured.
Pedestrians crossing
The report highlights the dangers for pedestrians: those who ignore the Highway Code and walk with their back to the traffic – rather than facing it – double the risk of death and serious injury. The absence of safe crossing points takes its toll on pedestrians, with two-thirds of road deaths and serious injuries occurring while crossing the road.
Dying for the weekend
Friday, Saturday and Sunday see half of all deaths and serious injuries on country roads. The most marked contrast is seen in Wales, where the 12% daily death toll from Monday to Thursday rises to 19% on Sunday.
IAM Trust director, Neil Greig says: “This report gives us a crucial insight into the nature of the vast numbers of deaths and injuries on rural roads.
“Rural drivers need to travel further to reach businesses, shops and places of entertainment. Emergency services have further to go to attend accidents and on quieter roads it may take longer for some types of accident to be discovered and for the emergency services to be called. Rural authorities also have smaller populations and less political power to force the necessary improvements to their longer road networks.
“The government’s second road casualty reduction target looks set to be reached by 2010. A further significant reduction in traffic casualties will be achieved only if policies, actions and investment are focused on Britain’s killer rural roads.
“As overall deaths on our roads continue to fall the large numbers of the worst accidents on rural roads is brought more into focus. This will have implications for road authorities, enforcers and educators.
“As well as a long-term investment to upgrade our worst rural roads, an imminent government consultation on revised driver training and testing is – literally – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to equip drivers and riders to cope with rural dangers.”
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A full copy of the IAM’s Report: Rural Roads – the biggest killer is available at www.iamtrust.org.uk along with regional comparisons and a further breakdown of the findings.
Media contacts
Becky Hadley/David Armstrong at Hadstrong 020 7808 7997
OR
IAM Motoring Trust Media Relations – 020 8996 9777
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The IAM Motoring Trust is the research and advocacy arm of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).
