Friday, August 02, 2013
IAM comment on quarter one provisional road casualty statistics
The latest Department for Transport road casualty statistics released today show a welcomed decrease in casualties for vulnerable road users.
- There were 1, 680 people killed in the year ending March 2013, a ten per cent reduction from 1, 870 in the year ending March 2012. The number of people killed or seriously injured also fell to 23, 660, a six per cent decrease.
- Pedal cyclist casualties are down 23 per cent on the previous year as well as motorcyclist casualties down 27 per cent. Although the notably colder winter temperatures in Q1 2013 are like to have had an effect on these reductions.
IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "It would seem to be good news with continued sustained falls in car occupant casualties and falls in all vulnerable categories for example pedestrians, bikers and cyclists."
"It is clear that the continued economic downturn (with falling traffic levels) and poor weather are the main causes. The economy is showing signs of improvement and we are having a fantastic summer so we cannot be complacent."
"The IAM welcomse this good news for the start of 2013 but the real test will come when we see what happened over the spring and summer when cycling in particular will have been much more popular."
DATED: 02.08.13
FEED: HA
