18.11.19
1 in 3 adults were in a collision or near miss on the road in the past year
Road safety charity Brake has revealed new research that nearly a third of adults were in a collision, or had a near miss, with a vehicle on a UK road in the past year. The findings from a survey of 2,000, has been published to highlight the level of danger felt on UK roads and to encourage people to “Step Up for Safe Streets” for national Road Safety Week 2019, launched today (Nov 18th)
Brake’s research illustrates the large number of the population who have experienced danger on the roads first-hand. 1 in 3 adults stated that they’ve experienced a collision or near miss with a vehicle on a UK road in the past year. This proportion rises to more than half when young adults (18 to 34-year-olds) are concerned.
Crashes and near misses can have a significant impact on people’s perceptions of safety, making streets feel less welcoming and holding people back from choosing to walk and cycle. These modes of transport have support from the road safety community and Government as they reduce car use, and so the level of danger on the roads, as well as improving public health.
Brake gives out support to victims of road collisions and knows the devastation that such incidents cause to families every day. On average, there is a death or serious injury on a UK road every 20 minutes. The charity believes that every road death and serious injury is avoidable and is urging everyone to think about how they can “Step Up for Safe Streets” for Road Safety Week, sharing inspirational stories of supports who are campaigning to lessen the danger on roads, to help inspire others.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake said: “These findings paint an alarming picture of the danger on our roads and yet it’s what we’re all exposed to, every day, when getting about. We shouldn’t have to accept this level of risk as part of our daily lives and so we are calling on everyone to “Step Up” for Road Safety Week and shout out for the solutions that we know can make our roads safe.
“Across the country, people are working tirelessly to campaign for safe streets, organising petitions, meeting with MPs and councillors and raising money and awareness. This Road Safety Week we want everyone to think about how they can do their bit and step up for safe streets. Can you join or start a local campaign? Do you need to take the car on your next journey, or could you walk, cycle or get the bus? If you are travelling by car, will you pledge to always keep within speed limits and never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs? Let’s all Step Up for Safe Streets and, together, we can help make roads safer for everyone.”