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www.northamptonshire.co.ukTHE internet guide to Northamptonshire UK | | ||
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05/03/2008 ROAD ACCIDENT FIGURES ON NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ROADS SHOW IMPROVEMENTS | ||
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| Figures announced today (Tuesday 4th March) show that Northamptonshire has seen a reduction in the number of casualties on the county’s roads in priority areas. The latest figures from the Northamptonshire casualty reduction partnership for 2007 show a 24 per cent reduction in fatal casualties and an 8 per cent reduction in child casualties compared to the previous year. The figures also show a 42 per cent reduction in the overall number of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties since the baseline period of 1992 to 1998 (the time period used to set the government targets), although this figure is slightly higher (2 per cent) than 2006. The targets which have been set by the government for the casualty reduction partnership to achieve by 2010 are: • A 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road collisions • A 50 per cent reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured • No increase in the number of slight casualties These targets have been exceeded in all three areas: • In 2006, 442 people were killed or seriously injured. This compares with 449 KSIs in 2007, which, although is a slight increase of 2 per cent on the previous year represents a 42 per cent reduction against the base years 1994-1998. • There has been a 55 per cent reduction in the numbers of children killed or seriously injured from an average of 104 in 1994-98 to 47 in 2007. This also represents a 8 per cent decrease compared to the 2006 figure of 51. • The number of slight injuries has fallen from an average of 2,316 in 1994-98 to 1776 in 2007, 23 per cent drop. This also represents a 9% decrease compared to the 2006 figure of 1955. “It is disappointing to see that the overall figure for KSI casualties has increased, even by a small amount, and we will be looking to see how we can ensure this increase does not continue. But within that figure is good news to report, because the number of fatalities is far less than the previous year – there were 18 fewer fatal casualties compared to 2006. It’s also good to see that the number of child casualties has reduced by 8 per cent. “We recognise that every casualty is somebody’s loved one and life-changing episodes for everyone involved so the casualty reduction partnership is absolutely committed to doing everything we can to reduce the number of collisions. However, all too frequently we learn that driver error and speed are major contributing factors in serious accidents which is why responsible driving is so vitally important as well.” Casualty reduction officer PC Steve Harris said: “In the autumn we launched a joint working project aimed specifically at the vulnerable younger driver group, which will be continued into this year with further work from the casualty reduction team. “The project introduces young road users to the responsibilities of driving on the roads through an interactive session with the emergency services. “We are working very hard to ensure that both drivers and riders are aware of the need to slow down, to take more care and not to drink and drive. “It's important to remember that every figure represents someone's life being changed dramatically and I want to reassure people that a lot of work is being done to reduce this through educational projects and through enforcement. “This year will see many new initiatives from the Casualty Reduction Partnership to engage riders and drivers, all with the aim of reducing casualties.” The Casualty Reduction Partnership works to cut the number of casualties on Northamptonshire’s roads using a combination of education, engineering, and enforcement measures. Examples of some of the action to improve road safety for vulnerable road users include: • Ongoing engineering measures to target problem areas | ||
