Road casualty improvement is no accident

Investment in car, van and truck safety has helped drive down road casualties. Latest statistics from the DfT reveal improvement in all areas particularly a year-on-year reduction in pedestrian casualties, seven per cent down to 31,020 and child casualties down 10 per cent to 10,140.

The motor industry believes it continues to play a significant role in this progress. Improvements in passive safety – systems designed to protect occupants in a crash including air bags and crumple zones – are now complemented by more cars on the road fitted with active safety systems.

These prevent an accident happening and include technologies like lane departure warnings, assisted braking systems and ESC (electronic stability control) that works to prevent cars from skidding out of control.

'We should welcome the news that UK roads are safer and highlight the progress we as an industry have made,' commented SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. 'Nevertheless, we must not be complacent: behind the statistics lie events that devastate lives and the motor industry is committed to continue to deliver safer cars, vans and trucks.'