Reduction in road casualties 'is very encouraging'

Date: 23/9/2010

The reduction in road deaths and injuries in 2009 demonstrates the excellent work being carried out to improve road safety, it has been suggested.

Alan Kennedy, Chair of Road Safety GB, described the latest statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) as "very encouraging".

The research, which was published today (September 23rd), revealed the total number of road casualties decreased by four per cent between 2008 and 2009, while fatalities fell by 12 per cent.

"[These figures] are testament to the excellent work being carried out by the DfT at national level and road safety officers at local and regional levels," Mr Kennedy remarked.

He said it is vital that road safety projects continue to be implemented in order to maintain this trend of a "significant" reduction in accidents.

In addition, the DfT's report stated the provisional number of people killed or seriously injured in drink-driving incidents in 2009 was eight per cent below the figure for 2008.

Posted by Mary Treen