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UK road deaths at record low UK road deaths at record low
(31 minutes later)
The number of road accidents which caused injuries is at the lowest level since 1927, and the number of people killed on the roads fell to a record low last year, according to official figures. The number of people killed on Britain's roads fell to a record low last year and the number of road accidents which caused injuries is at its lowest level since 1927, according to official figures.
There were 1,754 deaths on British roads in accidents reported to the police in 2012, a 8% dip on the 2011 figure, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This was the lowest figure since national records began. There were 1,754 deaths in road accidents reported to the police in 2012, a 8% dip on the 2011 figure, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This was the lowest figure since national records began.
The number of people seriously injured fell 0.4% to 23,039 in 2012, while the number of children killed or seriously injured fell 6% to 2,272. The overall number of casualties (deaths, serious injuries and slight injuries) in road accidents last year was 195,723, down 4% on the 2011 figure.The number of people seriously injured fell 0.4% to 23,039 in 2012, while the number of children killed or seriously injured fell 6% to 2,272. The overall number of casualties (deaths, serious injuries and slight injuries) in road accidents last year was 195,723, down 4% on the 2011 figure.
The number of accidents in which there were injuries reached 145,571, 4% fewer than in 2011. This total is the fewest reported in a single year since 1926 and 1927, the first two years national records were kept. The number of accidents causing injuries reached 145,571, 4% fewer than in 2011, and the lowest figure reported in a single year since 1926 and 1927, the first two years national records were kept.
The Department for Transport, which released the figures on the ONS website, pointed out that 2012 was the second wettest year on record and it was likely that the rainfall had reduced the number of pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorcyclists on the roads. The Department for Transport, which released the figures on the ONS website, pointed out that 2012 was the second wettest year on record and it was likely that the rainfall had reduced the number of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists on the roads.
The number of car-occupant deaths in 2012 fell 9% to 801, while the number of seriously injured car occupants was down 1%. Total reported casualties among car users were 119,708, 4% fewer than in 2011. Car and taxi traffic slightly decreased by 0.2% between 2011 and 2012. The number of car-occupant deaths in 2012 fell 9% to 801, while the number of seriously injured car occupants was down 1%. Total reported casualties among car users were 119,708, 4% fewer than in 2011. Car and taxi traffic decreased slightly by 0.2% between 2011 and 2012.
There were 420 pedestrian deaths in 2012, 7% fewer than in 2011 – but the number of seriously injured pedestrians increased 2% to 5,559. There was a total of 25,218 reported pedestrian casualties in 2012, a fall of 4%.There were 420 pedestrian deaths in 2012, 7% fewer than in 2011 – but the number of seriously injured pedestrians increased 2% to 5,559. There was a total of 25,218 reported pedestrian casualties in 2012, a fall of 4%.
There was less good news for cyclists, however, with the number of pedal users killed rising 10% last year to 118. In addition, the number of pedal cyclists seriously injured rose 4% to 3,222 – the eighth successive year the figure has increased. The number of people commuting to work by bike has increased by 17% to more than 760,000 in the past decade, census data shows. There was less good news for cyclists, however, with the number killed rising 10% last year to 118. In addition, the number of cyclists seriously injured rose 4% to 3,222 – the eighth successive year the figure has increased. The number of people commuting to work by bike has increased by 17% to more than 760,000 in the past decade, census data shows.
But according to Department for Transport figures, the prevalence of cycling in England during the year ending mid-October 2012 has not changed significantly compared with the previous year. According to Department for Transport figures, however, the prevalence of cycling in England during the year ending mid-October 2012 has not changed significantly compared with the previous year.
A total of 61 children (aged 15 or under) were killed in road accidents last year compared with 60 in 2011. The number of children seriously injured last year, however, fell 6% to 2,211, while total child casualties were down 11% to their lowest total since detailed records started in 1979. A total of 61 children aged 15 or under were killed in road accidents last year compared with 60 in 2011. The number of children seriously injured last year fell 6% to 2,211, while total child casualties were down 11% to their lowest total since detailed records started in 1979.
Motorcyclist deaths were down 9% to 328 last year, with serious injuries falling 5% to 5,000 and total casualties in this sector falling 4% to 19,310.Motorcyclist deaths were down 9% to 328 last year, with serious injuries falling 5% to 5,000 and total casualties in this sector falling 4% to 19,310.
The greatest number of accidents last year were on built-up roads (those with speed limits of, or less than, 30mph). The greatest number of accidents last year were on built-up roads with speed limits of 30mph or less.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Road crashes are violent, sudden events that tear apart families and whole communities. They are also a huge economic burden, and preventable through investment in education, engineering and enforcement. Julie Townsend, the deputy chief executive of Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Road crashes are violent, sudden events that tear apart families and whole communities. They are also a huge economic burden, and preventable through investment in education, engineering and enforcement.
"While progress towards fewer deaths and injuries is hugely welcome, it is important to acknowledge every person behind these statistics. For every one of the 1,754 people killed violently and needlessly in 2012, many more are left behind to grieve their loss, often suffering very serious trauma. So we must aim for zero, because no death or serious injury is acceptable.""While progress towards fewer deaths and injuries is hugely welcome, it is important to acknowledge every person behind these statistics. For every one of the 1,754 people killed violently and needlessly in 2012, many more are left behind to grieve their loss, often suffering very serious trauma. So we must aim for zero, because no death or serious injury is acceptable."
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