DfT announces fall in Ails in •A "
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CV fatalities last year
THE NUMBER OF CV drivers and passengers killed in road accidents last year fell by 24% to 50 compared to 66 in 2008, according to a report issued by the Department for Transport.
Those seriously injured numbered 556, down 10% on 2008's total of 619. Those slightly injured totalled 5,656, down 8% on 2008's figure of 6,158.
The report also compares 2009 data with the 1994-1998 averages, which reveals that fatalities in 2009 were 58% below the average, serious injuries were 63% below average and slight injuries were 38% below average.
Jack Semple. Road Haulage Association (RHA) head of policy, believes factors influencing the figures include sharply reduced truck activity due to the recession, better weather conditions last year. as well as improved safety procedures at many haulage companies.
-A survey of RHA members last year showed that a large proportion believed the safety culture in their businesses had increased and many were working on increasing it further." he says.
"The RHA's view strongly backed by members is that there is a core culture of safety in the industry."
Further analysis shows that the 50 deaths last year were split between 36 LCV occupants (down I.6% on 2008) and 14 HGV occupants (down 39% on 2008). LCV occupants accounted for 381 of the serious injuries and 4,326 of the slight injuries, while HGV occupants accounted for 175 serious injuries and 1,330 slight injuries.
According to James Bower, spokesman for United Road Transport Union, the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 have also been a major contributing factor to the improved figures.
"Limits on working hours have helped reduce driver tiredness, which is often the root cause of accidents among LCIV drivers." he adds.