IAM Releases New Report

A road traffic incident expert at Irwin Mitchell has called for local authorities across Britain to do all they can to improve the safety of rural routes.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists’ latest report has revealed that countryside routes accounted for two-thirds of fatal and serious road casualties in 2009, with motorways actually being found to be the safest roads in terms of the number of deaths.

While the research also suggested that overall Britain’s roads have never been safer, Stephen Nye, a Partner in Irwin Mitchell’s Serious Injury team, warned that there is still plenty to do to cut the number of crashes.

He explained: “The study showed that the number of deaths on rural roads has fallen significantly, but it is clear that such routes remain particularly hazardous for motorists of all abilities.

“So many of the cases we deal with emerge as a result of car crashes and highlight the devastating impact that such incidents can have on victims and their loved ones.

“While it has to be acknowledged that many local authorities are facing spending cuts, it seems that the value of investing in road safety clearly cannot be underestimated. I hope that councils which are home to particularly dangerous roads act on these findings and work towards protecting drivers from avoidable risks.”