Virtual Lancaster

The number of people killed and seriously injured on Lancashire’s roads in road traffic accidents has reduced again, according to latest figures.

In 2012, 704 people were killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. This compares to 795 in 2011 – 91 less or an 11.4 per cent reduction.

In the Northern Division policing area, which encompasses Lancaster,
Morecambe and the Wyre, the number of people killed or seriously injured
in 2012 was 123, compared with 144 in 2011.

The drop follows measures such a six month education campaign to educate young drivers on road safety, supported by the Lancashire-wide introduction of 20 mile per hour speed limits on residential roads in 2011.

Chief Inspector Debbie Howard from Lancashire Constabulary, who is in charge of road policing, said: “Whilst these figures suggest that our roads are now even safer, we are not complacent and we are committed to reducing this figure even further.

“Most collisions in the county are linked to driver errors and behaviour and what we term the ‘Fatal 4’ which is speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone whilst driving or driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We have activity throughout the year that is dedicated to tackling these issues and we will continue to work with other agencies to educate road users about staying safe on the roads and enforce legislation.”

County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m very encouraged to see this significant fall in casualties on our roads, which shows that all our hard work is having a real impact.

“Every death or serious injury on the roads is a tragedy and has a terrible effect on the lives of those affected,” he continued. “Comparing the 581 people killed or injured in the Lancashire County Council area last year with the 1,024 casualties only eight years ago in 2005 shows just how much progress is being made.

“This has only been achieved by constantly bringing in new ideas and focusing on how we can make the biggest improvements in safety with the resources available.

“The programme to introduce 20mph speed limits in residential areas and outside schools has been one of the more high-profile changes in recent years,” he feels. “Most accidents in which people are killed or badly injured happen within 30 mph areas and slowing traffic will help to protect pedestrians and cyclists who are at greatest risk.

“We’re also continuing to do the basics such as training new drivers to be more aware of potential risks, and educating thousands of children in cycling and pedestrian safety through schools, which is just as vital to continue to reduce deaths and injuries.”

Lancashire Constaulary regularly runs Operation Pathway, which sees high profile action days to support the daily road policing activity, and is aimed at saving lives and protecting people on the county’s roads.

• Advice for staying safe on the county’s roads can be found at www.lancashire.police.uk