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Steep increase in road fatalities

The number of people killed on the roads in Devon rose steeply last year, according to new figures.

Forty-nine people lost their lives in 42 separate accidents last year, compared with 36 deaths in 2006.

Devon County Council said the provisional police figures were the highest for the county since 2000.

Twenty-eight of the fatalities happened on rural roads with a speed limit of 60mph or 70mph, while 13 occurred in urban areas with 30 to 40mph limits.

The victims included drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but no cyclists were killed, nor any children under the age of 16.

The council said it appeared about 50% of the fatal collisions could be attributed to basic errors of judgement or lapses and it was likely several may have involved alcohol.

Council spokesman Edward Chorlton said: "Each death sends a shock wave through the communities and families affected by the collision.

"It must be particularly hard to come to terms with the tragedy when someone is the innocent victim of someone else's behaviour."

While some of these collisions are still subject to police or coroners' investigations, initial intelligence suggests that around half of these collisions may be attributed to basic errors of judgement or lapses. These include right turn manoeuvres, in-car distractions and excessive speeds by motorcyclists. It seems likely that several may have involved drivers under the influence of alcohol.

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The victims were predominantly car or van occupants (19 drivers and 12 passengers), but 10 were motorcycle riders or pillions. Four pedestrians died, as well as two HGV occupants, a tractor driver and quad bike rider. No cyclists were killed, nor any children under 16 years of age.

Considering that another topic is just highlighting the Higher deaths in Lincolnshire roads too - surely this should be showing the increasing trend that Paul has been stating anyway. Plus the higher biker accidents rate too as so many people have returned to their bikes ...

So where do I go to view these figures ? Paul has various stats around his computer, but without being that familiar with them I have yet to make real sense of it all !