Increase In Fatalities Across Britain's Roads 'Must Be Addressed'

Legal experts at Irwin Mitchell who help the families of victims killed in road traffic collisions have called for the Government to ensure safety improvements are a top priority, following an increase in the number of deaths on Britain’s roads.

New figures have revealed that fatalities increased by three per cent last year to reach 1,901 deaths in 2011, compared with the figure of 1,850 recorded in the previous 12 months.

It is the first increase in deaths seen since 2003, with around half of those killed being in cars and a quarter being pedestrians.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist serious injury team represents people who have suffered serious injuries in road traffic accidents, helping them to secure vital funds which play a key role in helping them access rehabilitation and other support.

The firm also provides legal advice and support to families who have lost loved ones in such incidents.

Neil Whiteley, a Partner who specialises in such cases at the firm’s Sheffield office, said: “There has been a steady fall across a number of years in terms of the number of deaths on the roads, so news of this increase is huge concern that must be thoroughly examined.

“Fatal and serious road collisions have a huge impact on so many people, from those involved to their loved ones, and the fact that almost 2,000 people were killed in such incidents across 2011 is simply unacceptable.

“A clear strategy aimed at reducing deaths on road is needed in response to this and we hope that the Government and road safety organisations are able to increase their efforts to emphasise the importance of safe road use, as well as to maintain routes to the highest possible standard.”