Spending cuts a false economy, says IAM report

15 November 2010

The spectacular reductions in deaths on Britains roads in recent years, and the cost-benefit of this reduction, is the centrepiece of the IAMs (Institute of Advanced Motorists) report Deaths and Injuries on Britains roads, published today.

Success driving down casualties has moved the UK to number one in the world road-safety league table of safest roads in 2009, from 6th in 2007 and 4th in 2008. Within the EuropeanUnion, the UK has half the road death rates of Austria, Belgium, Portugal and Luxembourg.

With each fatal accident on our roads costing the UK economy 1.79 million in lost output, health care, pain and suffering, every life saved is a direct benefit to society and reduces the number of families who will suffer personal grief from the loss of a loved one for years after the event.

Meeting our casualty reduction targets has meant that deaths on Britains roads have halved over the past 20 years with 31,000 deaths avoided and savings to the economy of around 50 billion, said Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research. The IAM calculates that achieving similar targets for road deaths by 2020 would save society 2,500 lives and the economy over 4 billion.

These staggering figures prove conclusively that investing in saving lives on the roads saves the country money, so funding being taken away from this area is a false economy. The important task now is to compensate for these cuts. Public bodies have more freedom than ever on where to spend their resources and we urge them to focus on the benefits to all road users and to the economy of investing in road safety education and awareness, training for younger drivers and riders, and targeted safety improvements to roads.

In 2008 and 2009, deaths fell by 724, down to 2,222, and Britains roads have never been safer, particularly compared with the bad years in the 60s and 70s when the death toll was between 6,000 and 8,000 annually. Since 1970, road traffic has increased by a factor of two and a half, but road deaths have fallen by more than two-thirds.

Car occupant and motorcyclist deaths each fell by 16 per cent in 2009, 13 per cent fewer pedestrians of all ages were killed, and best of all there was a massive one-third reduction in deaths of children and young people under 16.

Rural roads are still the most dangerous, accounting for two-thirds of fatal and serious casualties. Despite this, they have also shown the biggest decrease in deaths over the last ten years, with a 40 per cent reduction. Changes to the driving test to include rural roads as a mandatory part of the training, would do much to help this trend continue. Motorways are actually the safest roads, being accountable for only 132 deaths in 2009, even though they have the highest speed limits and large traffic flows.

Despite falling casualty rates, young drivers are still the most at-risk category. Mr Greig continued: With changes to the theory and practical parts of the driving test underway, and an ever-increasing focus on the risks faced by younger drivers, we hope that this number will continue to fall.

Follow the link to view the report on the IAM website: Deaths and Injuries on Britains roads

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Deaths and Injuries on Britains roads is one section of the IAMs 2010 Motoring Facts report. The report consists of 12 sections, which will be rolled out over the coming weeks. IAM Motoring Facts is the most comprehensive source of historic and current data for academics, journalists, politicians, motor industry professionals, or anyone simply wanting to know more about motoring

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

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iam.org.uk

ENDS ALL

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UKs largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. The commercial division of the IAM operates through occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM established the Policy and Research Division to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.

4. In 2010, the IAM introduced a cycle training programme including a new guide How to be a Better Cyclist. The IAM now embrace cyclists as well as motorists and motorcyclists, with the opportunity to become an IAM cycling member.

5. The IAM is supported by over 200 affiliated volunteer groups around the country, who all help to provide valuable advanced driver and rider coaching in preparation for the Advanced Test. They also provide a strong local voice to promote road safety.