ACPO responds after figures show a record low in road deaths since records began

"To achieve the lowest level of roads deaths since records began in 1926 is evidence of the collective success the police and our partners have had and shows that drivers may be changing their behaviour, and saving lives in the process."

“We all use the roads and the impact of what happens on them can either greatly enhance our lives, or destroy them. The strong messages we have sent out coupled with the enforcement action taken against drink and drug driving and other campaign work is getting through to drivers.

“But we are not going to become complacent and there are a number of factors which can influence the figures.

“The introduction of on-the-spot penalties for careless driving, along with advances in technology and with the effort of all officers on the front line, it is hoped we can continue to contribute to saving even more lives in the future.”

ENDS

The figures from the Department for Transport can be viewed here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-main-results-2012The main points from the release are:

•The number of people killed in road accidents reported to the police decreased to 1,754 in 2012 from 1,901 in 2011 (a fall of 8 per cent). This is the lowest figure since national records began in 1926.

•The number of people seriously injured decreased by 0.4 per cent to 23,039 in 2012 from 23,122 in 2011. This figure is 15 per cent lower than the 2005-09 average.

•The total number of casualties in road accidents reported to the police in 2012 was 195,723, down 4 per cent from the 2011 total. The total number of people seriously injured has fallen by 15 per cent in the five years from 2007 to 2012.

•Total reported child causalities (ages 0-15) fell by 11 per cent to 17,251 in 2012.

•The number of children killed or seriously injured also fell, decreasing by 6 per cent to 2,272 in 2012 from 2,412 in 2011.

•A total of 145,571 personal-injury road accidents were reported to the police in 2012, 4 per cent lower than in 2011.

•Vehicle traffic levels have remained broadly stable for the second year running, though there was a small fall of 0.4 per cent between 2011 and 2012.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk