Fewer children are becoming casualties on our roads

Fewer children are casualties of road accidents

The best Christmas gift for Staffordshire's safety experts are new figures that show that fewer children than ever are becoming casualties on our roads.

The number of children killed or seriously injured is down by a third, from 18 to 12. The number of 16-25 year olds casualties has fallen from 819 to 621.

Staffordshire has been ranked as the third safest county road network for children in the UK.

Staffordshire County Council's road safety team has been focusing its campaigns clearly on these vulnerable groups - so the news that these efforts are paying off is a real thumbs up for the strategy.

All road casualties (slight and serious injuries and deaths) across the county are down by about 20%.

The overall number of people killed or seriously injured has dropped by 42 to 150. Slight casualties have fallen from 1,814 to 2,329. Motorcycle casualties are down too from 207 to 196.

The figures compare the number of people killed or injured between January and July this year with the average over the previous three years.

Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for road safety Carol Dean said this was a brilliant Christmas present for the people of Staffordshire.

"This year 42 extra children will be alive and healthy. That's 42 families who have been saved a tragic Christmas. All the hard work is paying off. Staffordshire's casualty Reduction partners are all working together to deliver year on year improvements.

"Our focus on young people and children really does seem to be hitting the mark.

"Our young person's driver training initiative has won the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. We have one of the most successful walk to school programmes in the UK. Our driver awareness campaigns are really high profile. The message is getting through.

"But we mustn't let up, we can't relax. Enjoy the seasonal festivities, but if you have had a drink - don't drive. Plan ahead and designate who is going to drive before you go out. Des can't drink! Then perhaps next year's figures will be even better," she said.

Page Last Modified: 22/12/2008 11:14:05

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