Progress in reducing road casualties continues to stall - RAC comment

Reacting to new road casualties and speed limit compliance data released by the Government today, RAC road safety spokesperson Pete Williams:

“This new data makes for sobering reading – there has now been no substantial reduction in fatalities since 2010 with the numbers killed on the roads remaining stubbornly high. It also remains the case that casualties among some vulnerable road user groups, specifically pedestrians and motorcyclists, are rising which is a concern.

“Speed limit compliance also remains a real problem, with more than half of vehicles recorded speeding on 30mph roads and nearly one-in-five drivers travelling at 30mph or more in a 20mph zones.

“With traffic levels rising, and people’s dependency on the car also increasing, a shift in focus is needed at both national and local levels to begin to tackle the problem.

“Technology has an important role to play – autonomous emergency braking, for example, has the potential to reduce casualties significantly but it will take many years to become commonplace. Nonetheless, we encourage drivers to do their bit by insisting that any new car they buy is fitted with the technology. And on a day-to-day basis, it is every driver’s responsibility to ensure they are driving safely by not breaking speed limits and reducing distractions in their vehicles so their attention remains firmly on the road.

“Today’s figures serve as a stark reminder of how much work there is still to do to improve safety of the UK’s roads.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pothole-related breakdowns up by a quarter in just 12 months
On average, RAC patrols attended 71 breakdowns every day caused by potholes in the 12 months to the end of September
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Unplanned repairs leave four-in-10 drivers without cars for a day or more
Concern over cost of repairs and maintenance dwarfs fuel prices and motor insurance
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
EU’s new Entry-Exit System comes into force - RAC reaction
As the EU's new Entry-Exit System begins a phased rollout at European border points, RAC head of policy Simon Williams has the following advice for drivers: “The new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is rolling out from 12th October, meaning drivers will need to provide fingerprints and have their photos taken when they enter or exit Schengen border crossing points. With a phased roll-out taking place until April 2026, we’re advising motorists to check the official requirements at the UK departure point they’re using before they set off, as these will differ from place to place.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

media.rac.co.uk