The DfT published its annual road casualty statistics this week. SMMT welcomed the news that 229 fewer people were killed on the UK’s roads in 2007 than in 2006, a 7% improvement and the lowest toll since 1926. Improvements have been seen in all vulnerable groups: child deaths are down by 28%; pedal cycle deaths down 7%; and motorcycle deaths are down 2% from the previous year. Improvements in car safety and government initiatives, such as banning the use of mobile phones and have been attributed to the reduction. The motor industry will continue to play a significant role in this progress. Improvements in passive safety – systems designed to protect occupants in a crash including air bags and crumple zones – are now complemented by more cars on the road fitted with active safety systems. These are designed to prevent an accident happening and include technologies like lane departure warnings, assisted braking systems and ESC (electronic stability control) that works to prevent cars from skidding out of control.
For more www.dft.gov.uk
