Road Victim Month: statistics and safety measures

Posted in Blog

We unveil the numbers as August marks National Road Victim Month - a month to remember lives lost, and those injured, while on our roads.

Road safety charity RoadPeace designated August as Road Victim Month following the death of Princess Diana on 31st August 1997, yet injuries and deaths related to motor vehicles have been around since 1869 when Irish scientist Mary Ward (1) fell under the wheels of an experimental steam car.

Since then, the statistics have grown exponentially.

In a recent report for the year 2023, it was listed there were 132,063 casualties of all severities, which was a 3 percent decline compared to the previous year.

Out of these statistics 1,645 were fatalities, with 29,643 being killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties. Overall, this was a minor change compared to 2022.

Not only this, but the statistics show that the road user with the biggest estimated percentage change between the two years for fatalities was motorcyclists, which has shown a decline of 12 percent.

It is also noted that e-scooters are causing an increase in casualties compared to the 2019 figures, however as they are classed as ‘other vehicle occupants’ the data is not explicitly covered in this report.

It should also be mentioned that 75 percent of fatalities were male, and in 2023 the age group with the most male fatalities was 30 to 49-year-olds. While 24 percent of fatalities and 29 percent of casualties were ages 17 to 29. (2)

And while most of these figures are a decrease on the year prior, motor-vehicle crashes are still one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

At Krysalis, our specialist Neurological Occupational Therapists are dedicated to helping individuals regain their quality of life following such neurological events. With extensive experience in rehabilitation, we provide innovative and dynamic services to aid recovery.

However, our efforts are not only focused on the rehabilitation process that comes after incidents such as road traffic crashes, but we also care deeply about the prevention of these events that cause so much damage.

So, let’s get to know the facts…

Speeding - every 1 percent increase in speed produces a 3 percent increase in the serious crash risk, and a 4 percent increase in fatal crash risk.

“It’s noted that approximately two-thirds of collisions in which people are killed or injured occur on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less.” (3)

Driving under the influence – driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medicine that affects your health is proven to increase crash risks.

“Estimates for 2021 show that between 240 and 280 people were killed in collisions in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.” (4)

Wearing the correct restraints – the use of the correct helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 74 percent. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death by up to 50 percent, and the use of child restraints can reduce death among infants by 71 percent.

“The latest road casualty statistics for 2022 show that 21% of car occupant fatalities in reported road collisions were not wearing a seatbelt.” (5)

Distracted driving – drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Hands-free phones are also not a safe solution as using it can slow reaction times, and any satellite navigation systems should be set before a journey to avoid being distracted.

“Research shows that the reaction time of a person talking [while on a hands-free phone] is 30% lower than a person at the drink-driving limit.” (6)

Over the last five years, a quarter of car drivers and passengers who died in road crashes on roads in Britain weren’t wearing a seat belt […] more than 11,000 may perhaps have been able to protect themselves against traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injury, and damage to internal organs.

Ross Moorlock, CEO at Brake (7)

Top tips to thoughtful driving

Always keep a safe distance

Stay calm under pressure

Plan your route

Be mindful of weather conditions

Know your blind spots

Follow mirror, signal, manoeuvre

Ensure your vehicle is maintained to prevent breakdowns

The road for the future

By following traffic rules and knowing the importance of road safety measures such as the ones listed above, we can all work together in creating safer roads and preventing road injuries and deaths.

Recently, MP Kim Leadbeater has called for tighter rules for inexperienced drivers. She has proposed new legislation in which newly qualified drivers would face certain restrictions for the first six months after passing their driving test.

This legislation is referred to as a graduated driver’s licence and it is supported by multiple road safety organisations such as the AA, the RAC and road safety charity Brake. (8)

Road safety rules save lives, but should the worst happen our expertise at Krysalis is vital in supporting the ongoing reduction in casualties and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by road traffic crashes.

We understand the profound emotional and psychological effects that a road crash injury can have, and we provide compassionate support to help our clients adapt to life changes.

We aim to enhance overall well-being and facilitate a successful reintegration into an individual’s personal and professional lives.

Together, by adhering to road safety regulations, understanding the devastating repercussions of non-compliance, and the road to recovery it ensues, we can foster a more secure atmosphere for all road users.