Death on British Roads - December 2009

This regularly updated section of the HomeApproved web site will cover the latest trends, research, opinion and developments in the UK car insurance sector. 

Death on British Roads
Although it often seems unbelievable research always provides statistical evidence that travelling by road is probably the riskiest thing many of us do on a regular basis.

On average, some seven people are killed every day on the roads in Great Britain. Hundreds more are injured, many of them seriously, often with life changing consequences. In 2008 alone, 2,538 people died and nearly a quarter of a million were injured. Road crashes are the largest single cause of accidental death for people aged between 5 and 35 years.

Sobering thoughts as we rush around buying Christmas presents, driving and walking on dangerous roads and paths.

20mph Speed Limit
Motorists driving on residential roads and near schools will be forced to obey a strict 20mph limit, under latest proposals to be unveiled next week. Limits on roads which are known to be accident black spots could also be reduced. The new guidance from the Department for Transport is part of a push to reduce road accidents and fatalities.

Although it is local authorities that ultimately decide speed limits, ministers expect their latest guidance to be acted upon. Research has found that pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20mph have a greater chance of survival. Only one in 40 dies at 20mph, compared with one in five at 30mph.

Councils will be allowed to introduce 20mph zones without traffic-calming measures such as speed humps in plans aimed at encouraging the measure for residential streets and areas around schools, shops and parks. The zones are likely to be enforced by a new generation of digital average-speed cameras capable of catching motorcycles.

ENDS

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