We've all heard the old adage that it is safer to travel by aeroplane than drive in a car, but every day we act as if that weren't true. We all think that we'll be safe in our little metal boxes, as if nothing can touch us there. However, we are sadly not invincible, and according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the number of casualties per year rose in 2011 for the first time since 2003. Unfortunately, it seems as the safety and performance of our cars and our tyres (the things that actually work with the brakes to stop the car) improves, we feel safer but are perhaps being more reckless.
Looking at the figures showing the increase in casualties from 2010 to 2011 is sobering. Road deaths rose by three per cent in total, and sadly child deaths in particular rose by nine per cent. Pedestrian deaths also rose twelve per cent and seriously injured cyclists rose by a massive sixteen per cent. Similarly, motorcyclists suffering serious injuries rose ten per cent, with an eight per cent increase in overall motorcyclist casualties.
However, it isn't all bad news. There were less seriously injured children in 2011 as figures dropped by four per cent, and the overall figures for child casualties remained about the same. Deaths among cyclists dropped four per cent, while motorcyclist deaths dropped by ten per cent.
Why is this happening? Reduced spending on road safety is at least partly to blame as there have been cuts to both the local authority and road policing budgets. Road safety education budgets have been cut, and it looks like the results are clear. The situation is particularly concerning because the number of road accidents usually drops during an economic recession as, presumably, people try to save money by not using their cars as frequently.
National casualty reduction targets were also abolished last year, so many people are saying these need to be re-implemented urgently. While implementing various road safety measures can seem to be costly over the short term, in the longer term money is saved by preventing accidents.
What can you as a motorist do to keep yourself safe?
Concentrate on the road. As tempting as it may be, don't pick up your phone, or try to eat a sandwich and drive. You need to be constantly looking out for potential hazards. Keep back from other vehicles. You really won't get there much quicker just by driving close behind another car. Keep your vehicle well-maintained. Regular servicing as well as carrying out various checks each month will ensure your car is in the best condition to keep you safe. Check your fluid levels, your tyre pressures, tyre treads and the condition of your car tyres. Stay calm. Don't let other road users get to you - you will make better decisions and drive safer if you don't get needlessly angry.
Road Deaths On The Rise
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