06 February 2015
Spike in road casualties blamed on in car gadgets
The increased use of in car gadgets, hands free phones, Sat Navs and digital music systems are being blamed for an increase in accidents on the UK's roads.
The rate of accidents involving death or serious injury had been on the decline for the previous 3 years, but in the 12 months to September there was a 4% increase, reaching almost 25000.
Incidents involving cyclists showed the biggest increase, with 3500 accident involving death or serious injury, an increase of 8%.
Officials suggested that the increase was driven by a rise in the number of cars taking to the road over the past 12 months.
The RAC have suggested that many motorists are becoming distracted by the sheer number of gadgets installed on the dashboard of new vehicles. Its own polling has shown that mobile phones are a 'major source of distraction' for more than a quarter of their drivers - rising to 40% among those in their late 20s.
In all 1730 fatalities were recorded in the 12 month period, up by 1%. 24360 people were involved in accidents resulting in death or serious injury, a rise of 5%, and there were 192910 casualties of all types, a rise of 5%.
This is only the third time in 30 years that the number of deaths and serious injuries had increased.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a road accident that was not your fault, speak to Cycle Accident Helpline - the No Win No Fee experts - today for a no obligation chat.
Help is only a click or call away.
The rate of accidents involving death or serious injury had been on the decline for the previous 3 years, but in the 12 months to September there was a 4% increase, reaching almost 25000.
Incidents involving cyclists showed the biggest increase, with 3500 accident involving death or serious injury, an increase of 8%.
Officials suggested that the increase was driven by a rise in the number of cars taking to the road over the past 12 months.
The RAC have suggested that many motorists are becoming distracted by the sheer number of gadgets installed on the dashboard of new vehicles. Its own polling has shown that mobile phones are a 'major source of distraction' for more than a quarter of their drivers - rising to 40% among those in their late 20s.
In all 1730 fatalities were recorded in the 12 month period, up by 1%. 24360 people were involved in accidents resulting in death or serious injury, a rise of 5%, and there were 192910 casualties of all types, a rise of 5%.
This is only the third time in 30 years that the number of deaths and serious injuries had increased.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a road accident that was not your fault, speak to Cycle Accident Helpline - the No Win No Fee experts - today for a no obligation chat.
Help is only a click or call away.
