as new report show practically no change in casualty figures.

IAM RoadSmart is increasingly concerned that disruption to government, in part caused by Brexit, has forced road deaths down the political agenda, as the latest road crash statistics issued today (26 September) show no real change in recent years.

IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity, has expressed disappointment that there has been practically no headway made in six years in the levels of those killed in road crashes on our roads.

This morning the Department of Transport announced there were 1,784 reported road deaths in 2018, compared to 1,793 reported in 2017 – which, although being 1% down over the previous period, is in real terms only a disappointingly marginal reduction.

There were 25,511 people seriously injured in reported road traffic accidents in 2018, compared to 24,831 in 2017 – a very discouraging 3% increase over 12 months.

There were 160,597 people seriously injured in reported road traffic accidents in 2018, compared to 170,993 casualties of all severities a year ago.

Although IAM RoadSmart welcomes this 6% reduction in overall casualties the charity feels it is not good enough.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has swallowed up the attention of the decision makers for too long now, which means people are still dying on our roads at the same level as six years ago – as a developed nation, that is pretty disgraceful.

“It is really time the government renews its commitment to this issue which is affecting all communities in society, young and old, and make sure we don’t continue to kill and injure people in ways that could so easily be prevented.”

Neil added: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it is clear that working in partnership to promote it is the key to returning to critical, long term downward trends. More incentives for post-test training, consistent enforcement of new motoring laws, accelerating the uptake of AEB (autonomous emergency braking) equipped cars and promoting best practice in driving for work are just a few examples of the quick gains that could be achieved.”