Warwickshire News Mine

A report on road casualty statistics in Warwickshire published this week by Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit shows that the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents fell below 400 for the first time.

The report provides detailed information about recorded traffic collisions involving injuries and compares 2007 against previous years.

It shows that the number of car users killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions has halved in less than a decade and that overall the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads has fallen by 44 per cent in the same period.

However, the report is not all good news. The rate of casualty reduction slowed significantly in 2007 compared with that achieved in previous years and there were increases in casualty numbers recorded among some vulnerable groups: the number of adult pedal cyclists seriously injured rose from 18 to 30, and the number of motorcyclists injured rose from 220 to 240. These increases could be linked to the growth in popularity of these activities.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Overall we can view the 2007 road casualty figures for Warwickshire positively and with cautious optimism for the future. A huge amount of work and investment by the county council and our partner agencies goes into making the road network as safe as possible for all users and it is rewarding to see a further reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured.

“However, we cannot afford to be complacent and will be continuing our efforts to improve road safety in Warwickshire.”

The report is available at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roadsafety

Ends

For interview or further information please contact Roger Harding on 01926 735650.

Note to editors:
Forthcoming County Council road safety initiatives and activities include:
New initiative offering free or subsidised training for motorcyclists.
The implementation of reduced speed limits through the Speed Limit Review.
The 10th anniversary of Warwickshire County Council’s cycle training scheme for children and adults.
A new initiative to encourage parents to take responsibility for teaching their pre-school children the basic elements of road safety.
Design for Life – a new scheme for the mature driver who may have been driving for 40 years of more – designed to keep them driving for as long and as safely as possible.
Kerbsafe – practical pedestrian training for key stage 1 children delivered by volunteers within schools.

Some of the ways driver can contribute to improving road safety:
Slow down – keep to the limit
Don’t drink and drive
Wear a seatbelt
Look out for motorbikes, especially at junctions
Switch off your mobile when you drive
Set a good example for your children

Link to WCC