We all know that if you can avoid being involved in any car accident, then:
1) We are extremely lucky and;
2) No claims bonus builds up and insurance premiums will be as low as one can reasonably expect.
Most people sit back, daydream or just switch off whenever something is being discussed which is of no interest in their workplace. If it’s on the TV, they simply change channels.
But for some, the decision making process, and the way those decisions are formulated, can be interesting.
In this article I am to try and provide a brief insight into the work undertaken by expert analysts which helped the Government decide on the strategies to bring the number of road deaths down on UK roads by 2010.
Like all strategies, it must first establish a baseline to measure performance against. This is usually done by research and analysis of data/information. In this instance, it was data from 1994-98.
The Department for Transport laid out its objectives and commissioned expert analysts to conduct the independent review.
In order to develop effective strategies for reducing Road Traffic Accidents, experts needed to gain a better understanding of the causes of accidents and the likely injury outcomes of certain specific type of accident.
To achieve this, an “On the Spot” (OTS) project was commissioned to gather in-depth information at the scene of accidents.
Data was collected by expert investigators (who typically attended within 15 minutes of an accident occurring) in two geographical locations, namely; the Thames Valley and the Midlands. Their prompt attendance enabled them to collect vital data that might otherwise have been lost.
The data collection began in 2000 and more than 2,000 accidents were recorded on the database at the time the experts report was submitted.
To enable them to offer recommendations to help reduce the number of accidents, the database included some very specific causal data such as:-
• The road and environmental conditions at the time of the accident
• Examination of causes and resultant injuries
• The severity of any accident and injuries
• Types of accident
• Types of injury
The report runs to some 70+ pages and must have involved thousands of man hours to collate and put together.
If you would like to learn more, further information can be found on the dft website by clicking here