Statistics
How many people are killed or injured on Britain’s roads?
Great Britain has one of the best road safety records in Europe and the
world. Despite massive increases in traffic over the last few decades,
the number of people killed on our roads has fallen from around 5,500
per year in the mid 1980s to well under 2,000 in 2010. However, this
still means that around five people die on Britain’s roads every day.
Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain, 2010
Killed 1,850
Seriously Injured 22,660
Slightly Injured 184,138
All 208,648
These figures are for road accidents in which someone was injured on a
public road and which were reported to the police. Although virtually
all fatal road accidents are reported to the police, it is known that
many involving injury are not reported, even when some of those involved
required medical or hospital treatment. It is estimated that the total
number of road casualties in Great Britain is between 660,000 and
880,000 per year, with a best estimate of around 730,000. This includes
an estimated 80,000 people who are seriously injured.
Common causes of these unnecessary tragedies include:
Speeding
Around 430 people a year are killed in crashes in which someone exceeds
the speed limit or drives too fast for the conditions.
Drink Driving
Around 250 people die a year in crashes in which someone was over the
legal drink drive limit.
Seat Belt Wearing
Around 300 lives each year could be saved if everyone always wore their
seat belt.
Careless Driving
More than 300 deaths a year involve someone being "careless, reckless or
in a hurry", and a further 125 involve "aggressive driving".
At-work
Around one third of fatal and serious road crashes involve someone who
was at work.
Inexperience
More than 430 people are killed in crashes involving young car drivers
aged 17 to 24 years, every year, including over 150 young drivers, 90
passengers and more than 180 other road users.
Human Error
More than 90% of accidents are caused by human error.
Close to home
90% of accidents occur on roads that drivers are familiar with.
Chances
The average driver covers about 12,000 miles a year and has a 1 in 7
chance of having a collision during that time.
This is where you as the employer should consider the steps to ensure
your employees are as safe as possible on the road.
