2946 – that’s the number of people killed on UK roads in 2007*. This does not compare favourably when compared to the number of fatalities due to road accidents in Australia where only 1,616 were fatally injured**.
However, when examining the data in the terms of percentage points, drivers in the UK and all the efforts by government, local councils and road safety initiatives appears to be paying off for drivers in the UK.
• Deaths of actual car users in Australia increased by 3.8% whilst in the UK, they reduced by 11%.
• Pedestatrian deaths decreased by 11.5% in Australia compared to a 4% reducution in the UK.
• Motorcyclists deaths remained the same in Australia whilst deaths of Motorcyclists reduced by 2% in the UK.
• Children aged 0-16 yrs old down 11% in Australia whilst the UK displays a 28% decrease for those in age group 0-15 years old.
The UK Government set a target in 2000 for a reduction in the number of casualties, looking to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 2010, compared with the average for 1994-98; a 50 per cent reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured; and a 10 per cent reduction in the slight casualty rate.
Figures for reported casualties in 2007 indicate:
• The number of people killed or seriously injured was 36 per cent below the baseline;
• The number of children killed or seriously injured was 55 per cent below the baseline;
• The provisional estimate of the slight casualty rate was 30 per cent below the baseline.
These reductions should be recognised and acknowledged. That equates to up to 126 more families still enjoying the company of loved ones in 2007 than in 2006.
* Department of Transport Statisitcs Bulletin : Road Casualties in Great Britain, Main Results 2007
** The Road Safety Report, August 2008, Road Deaths Australia : 2007 Statistical Summary published by the Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Consider These:| Car transporter |
| Quotes Fedex |
| www.horsequest.net.au |