The latest road casualty figures have been welcomed as an all-time low by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), the UK’s leading road safety charity.
DfT (Department for Transport) statistics released this week (25 September 2008) confirm road deaths in 2007 fell to 2,946, a reduction of seven per cent on the previous year.Serious injuries fell to 27,774 – down three per cent - and slight injuries were 217, 060 a four per cent reduction.
“This new low for road traffic deaths should be acknowledged and, while there is no room for complacency, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the success to date.Dropping below 3,000 deaths is a positive milestone,” said IAM Trust Director Neil Greig.
“The figures are not all good news though: motorcyclists still feature highly in the vulnerable road user stats – they are the single highest group.It is motorcyclists who are most likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road.
“And roughly forty per cent of the people killed or seriously injured are car occupants. The vast majority of those car crashes need never happen – more than 90 per cent are as a direct result of driver error,” said Mr Greig.
Young drivers, older drivers and those driving for business are important areas for development for the IAM and its mission - driving road safety.
“It’s too easy with statistics to forget the individuals that lie behind the numbers,” said Mr Greig.
“Every one of those road deaths in 2007 was a particular tragedy – with lives ruined and families grieving.
“The IAM will continue its work, improving riding and driving skills to reduce the numbers of crashes on our roads, and lobbying for further improvements in the crucial work around safer drivers, safer cars and safer roads.”
ENDS
1. Issued by the IAM Press Office, telephone 020 8996 7777. We have an ISDN line for interviews.
2. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland.
3. 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. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
4. In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will 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.
5. The IAM is a member of the FIA (Federation International d’Automobile) and works closely with motoring clubs around the world on issues such as road safety, transport and the environment, and consumer protection.
