Road Safety Facts

• Road 'casualties' claim a large number of lives each year.
  In 2006: 3,172 people were killed on Great Britain's roads.
  Around 40,000 people died on roads within the European Union last year.
  Around 1.2 million people die on the roads throughout the world each year.

• An even larger number of people get injured - some very seriously.
  258,404 were injured on Great Britain's roads in 2006.

• Except for the human suffering, which is immeasurable, road incidents cost vast amounts to the economy (hospitals, emergency services, loss of productivity / income, etc). In 2006, the cost of a fatal accident was estimated to be £1,489,450; those involving serious injuries £167,360 and those involving slight injuries £12,900.

• Great Britain's overall road casualty record is one of the lowest in Europe. However, our pedestrian safety record is not so good, particularly for children.

• Children are vulnerable as road users. In 2006 3,294 under 16s were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain's roads.

• Road deaths account for about two-thirds of all accidental deaths for the 5-14 age group, with boys having a much higher rate than girls.
  
  See chart: Children killed or seriously injured by age group in Great Britain (2006)

• Road child casualties are highest during the times children go to / come from school.
  
  
• Road child casualties peak during the summer months when children are on school holidays and they spend more time playing outside or traveling around.
  
  
• Autumn and winter months present a serious hazard to all road users because of reduced visibility, longer hours of darkness and bad weather conditions.
  
  Sources: Road Casualties Great Britain 2006: Annual Report;
  World Health Organization; European Road Safety Council