THE number of people killed or seriously injured in road collisions in the Thames Valley is down according to figures released today by the Department For Transport (DFT).
In 2005, 149 people lost their lives in collisions in the Thames Valley area, compared to 173 in 2000, when the Thames Valley Safer Roads partnership began. This is a reduction of 13.9 per cent.
The number of people seriously injured in collisions has also dropped from 1468 people in 2000 compared to 938 casualties in 2005 – a 36 per cent reduction. The Government?s targets for 2010 are a 40 per cent reduction on the 1994 ? 1998 average for those killed & seriously injured and 10 per cent for those suffering slight injury. According to figures released today there has been a 36 per cent and nearly 10 per cent reduction respectively.
Superintendent Mick Doyle, head of Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Operational Command Unit, said: “The reduction in the number of people who lost their lives and those suffering serious injuries is encouraging, but we will continue to do everything we can to reduce the number of victims and casualties still further. We work closely with our road safety partners from the councils, fire and rescue and ambulance services to educate road-users about ways they can keep themselves safe. Members of the public must take responsibility for their own safety and keep to speed limits, wear a seatbelt and make sure passengers also belt up, don?t drive when tired, or under the influence of drink or drugs.”
Roads Policing officers work with their local road safety partners on numerous road safety initiatives. These include the Safer Rider campaign, educating motorcyclists about how to be a better biker and operational initiatives including speed checks, seatbelt checks, and stopping and fining motorists driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. Future initiatives include an educational campaign for young drivers.
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