Road casualties reduced in Leicestershire

Casualty figures on Leicestershire roads have dropped for the eleventh consecutive year.

New figures published in the County Council’s annual road safety report show that during 2011 there was a reduction in the number of serious and slight casualties (slight by eight per cent, serious by one per cent), compared to the previous year.

Whilst fatalities (39 in total) have not reduced since 2010, this is the second lowest number of recorded road deaths since records began in 1979 (2009 was the lowest).

Lesley Pendleton, The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: It is encouraging to see a reduction in the

number of casualties on our roads but we must not be complacent – there are still too many lives lost and families devastated through road accidents.

We are working hard with our partner organisations to try to reduce road casualties and we are seeing significant reductions year on year.

However, there is only so much we can do and we need all road users to drive safely and considerately to help reduce accidents further.”

The County Council identifies road improvements that could cut the number of crashes by studying accident records.

Analysis of this data also reveals trends and behaviour, enabling publicity campaigns, education and training to be tailored.

-A reduction in the speed limit and improvements to signs and road markings on the B5324 between Hathern and Church Town. Following the work there has been a 44% reduction in accidents

-The distribution of 1,000 high visibility ruck-sacks to cyclists and to motorcyclists

-The holding of 11 pre-driver days that were attended by 390 teenagers aged 16 and 17 who were likely to start learning to drive in the near future

-The popular Community Speed Watch scheme, supported by the police, operated in 36 different parishes in 2011

-The Enhanced Rider Scheme” and Bikesafe” motorcycle training schemes operated throughout the year.

The report can be viewed online at www.leics.gov.uk/casualtyreport

(*Note: the information provided in this report is for public roads within the county of Leicestershire, including motorways and trunk roads. KSI means killed or serious injury. 2011 national figures are October 2010 to September 2011)

Through the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, the County Council works with neighbouring councils, the Highways Agency (responsible for motorways and trunk roads), police, health authority and fire and rescue service to plan and coordinate road safety programmes.

As well as safety camera enforcement, the partnership runs a comprehensive programme of publicity and training. During 2012 this includes raising awareness about speeding, stopping at red traffic lights, drinking and driving, using a mobile phone while driving, changing driving style with the onset of winter weather, pedestrian distraction when crossing roads, supporting community speed watch, the non wearing of seatbelts, fitting the correct child car seat, along with various campaigns aimed at both new and experienced motorcyclists and scooter riders.