Have a Rest bite from the Pothole Saga – British Roads are the Second Safest in Europe

British Roads are Among Europe’s Safest

Over the last decade fatalities have more than halved on EU roads, but a new report says that more needs to be done to cut it further. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) found that around 240,000 people were killed in collisions between 2001 and 2012, with annual numbers falling from 27,700 in 2001 to 12,345 in 2012. The report says that increase traffic offence enforcement, better infrastructure and improved driver and passenger protection has helped in improving this figure.

The panel applauded t he reduction in fatalities, but it said that car occupant deaths still represent nearly half of road fatalities between 2010 and 2012. The biggest reductions were seen in Spain and Latvia.  The ETSC also praised progress made by Great Britain, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands which are now considered the safest countries for car occupant deaths per billion vehicle km travelled. At the bottom end of the table were Poland, Latvia and the Czech Republic.

Antonio Avenoso, executive director of ETSC, said: “While huge progress has been made in cutting the number of people killed, it’s wrong that 12,000 die every year for mostly avoidable reasons.” The report suggested that if all cars had belt reminders fitted 900 more lives would be saved every year. Zero tolerance on drink-driving would save 5,600 deaths annually, and a cut in the speed limit by 1km/h a further 1,300. It also recommended a tax incentive for the purchase and use of five-star Euro NCAP cars and models equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance, alcohol interlocks and seatbelt reminders.

Avenoso added:“Simple measures such as belt reminders in front and rear passenger seats, better enforcement of speed limits plus measures to prevent repeat drink-drivers from getting behind the wheel could put the EU’s target of halving the number of road deaths by 2020 firmly within reach.”