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Safety clash over EU plans for roads and users
publication date: Jul 23, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Safety groups have clashed over the lastest EU road safety report and plans. The Institute of Advanced Motorists is disappointed that a new EU road safety initiative has failed to take driver training into consideration beyond the learner test. The EU Road Safety Programme (2011-2020) makes no mention of further training for business drivers either. Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “This is a missed opportunity to highlight the benefits of a lifelong learning approach to driving. There is convincing evidence that further training makes drivers safer, and could be relatively cost-effective compared to some of the other suggestions which involve massive changes to cars and roads.” The IAM welcomes the new Europe-wide focus on motorcycle safety that the programme brings, but still has concerns about proposals for post-test probationary periods which have yet to prove any long term benefit. Greig added: “A common education and training strategy for safer roads will go a long way towards reducing the number of crashes involving foreign drivers here in the UK. It is essential that training standards in the UK do not slip, and that the role of post-test and business driver training is recognised.” The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says new plans for halving road deaths across the European Union should be an added catalyst in the bid to improve safety on the UK's roads. Figures contained in the European Commission report show that in 2009, the UK was the Member State with the lowest road fatality rate by population - at 38 fatalities per million inhabitants. This figure had fallen by 35 per cent from 61 fatalities per million inhabitants in 2001 - also a year in which the UK had the lowest level of road fatality among Member States. RoSPA says the UK should not become complacent, however, and that it should strive to set a good example throughout the next decade. In the European Road Safety Policy Orientations for 2011-2020, the European Commission outlines seven strategic objectives: improved safety measures for trucks and cars; building safer roads; developing intelligent vehicles; strengthening licensing and training; better enforcement; targeting injuries; and a new focus on motorcyclists. The policy follows the EU's current 2001-2010 Road Safety Action Plan, which aimed to halve road fatalities from 50,000 to 25,000. The Commission reports that this target has "not been completely met" but that, by the end of the plan period, a fall of more than 40 per cent is expected. In 2009, more than 35,000 people died on the roads of the EU, of whom 2,337 were killed in the UK. For every death, there are an estimated four permanently disabling injuries, 10 serious injuries and 40 minor injuries. |
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