The latest Department for Transport road casualty statistics show an increase in casualties for vulnerable road users.
According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), the figures show that:
- There were 1,760 fatalities in road accidents in the year ending 2012, a 7% 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% 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% and the number of fatal or serious accidents fell by 2%.
- However, fatal and serious accidents rose by 5% on minor roads and similarly 5% on built-up roads.
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.
