Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership
Road Deaths Reducing at Last
Despite big reductions in the number of casualties on the roads in Thames Valley over recent years, the number of road deaths has remained stubbornly high. Finally, the figures from 2007 show a different picture.
In 2007 118 people were killed on roads in the Thames Valley, 17.5 per cent fewer than in 2006 (143), 32 per cent lower than in 2000 (173), and 39 per cent lower than in 1990 (192). Road deaths are now at their lowest level on record in the Thames Valley.
Despite the figures released today road safety professionals remain profoundly concerned about the loss of life on the roads.
Malcolm Collis of Thames Valley Police said in response to this news “Even one death on the roads is a tragedy. The huge effect on families, friends, colleagues, employers and communities should not be underestimated. Whilst we are grateful to see a significant reduction in the number dying on the roads, 32 of these deaths were people under the age of 25 with their lives ahead of them; many others will leave behind partners, parents and children. And the sad fact remains that most of these deaths need never have occurred.”
One worrying factor from 2007 is the high numbers of vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists, who were killed in collisions. Deaths among pedal cyclists were doubled compared to 2006 and pedestrian fatalities were also the highest they had been for 6 years.
Although the number of motorcycle fatalities has not risen in absolute terms there has again been a slight rise in the percentage of deaths (to 18%).. Motorcyclists represent around 1% of traffic but a worryingly high proportion of road deaths.
Speaking for the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, Dan Campsall said:
“We know that there are groups who are at higher risk than others such as younger drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and pedal cyclists but it is important for everyone of us to play our part with the simple things. Putting on our seatbelts, turning off our mobiles, resting when we are tired and sticking to the limit will all help; and most of all recognising that it is our job together to make the roads a safer place.”
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