According to latest crash data analysed by Brake, deaths and serious injuries on UK roads are on the rise.
The data released at the start of Road Safety Week (14 – 20 November), has resulted in the charity calling on the fleet industry, and all employers, to help make Safe Roads for All, which is the theme of the week.
Many fleet organisations have already signed up to take part in the campaign, reaching tens of thousands of people who drive for work. However, Brake is calling on all employers to have a board-level commitment to monitoring, reporting and improving road risk levels across their fleet and supply chains.
Brake is also calling on employers to ensure all at-work and commuting drivers have learned the new Highway Code and the priority it gives to people on bicycles and foot.
Analysis, by Brake, of 2021 British road crash data1 found that:
- The rate of deaths and serious injuries of people on foot, by distance travelled, increased by 19% in 2021 compared to 2020
- The rate of deaths and serious injuries for cyclists, by distance travelled, increased by 27% in 2021 compared to 2020
- By comparison, there was a 2% increase across all road users and a 3% increase for car occupants
Road crashes hit at the heart of families. Brake delivers its National Road Victim Service, caring for more than 1,000 road victim families a year. It consists of a team of 20 professional caseworkers deployed across the UK to provide emotional and practical support and advocacy for families facing shock and horrendous tragedy, from the day of the crash that killed their loved one or caused catastrophic injury in their family.
Brake also operates the Global Fleet Champions initiative, delivering the UK Fleet Champions Awards annually to celebrate road safety at work, as well as learning resources and events taking place throughout the year.
Mary Williams OBE, Chief Executive of Brake, said: “Brake’s National Road Victim Service sees the devastation caused by road crashes and cares for the bereaved and injured families. Employers have an important responsibility to contribute to ending the carnage through occupational road risk management and can also help Brake with urgent funds we need to enable us to keep caring and campaigning.
“Both at a corporate and Government level, road risk management must include monitoring and reporting on the collision involvement of drivers and vehicles at work or commuting.”
