Newly-published road casualty figures for Scotland show the need for drivers and motorcyclists to consider refresher training to improve their skills, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said.
Loss of control was the most often reported contributory factor for fatal road accidents in Scotland in 2008 (mentioned in relation to 36 per cent of fatal accidents for which contributory factors were recorded). Failing to look properly was the second most commonly reported factor in collisions in which someone was killed, being cited in relation to 22 per cent of fatal crashes. Being careless, reckless or in a hurry, travelling too fast for the conditions, failing to judge another person’s path or speed and being impaired by alcohol were also among the top six factors in fatal accidents.
Failing to look properly was the most common factor in road accidents of all severities for which contributory factors were recorded, according to Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2008, which was published by the Scottish Government today.
A total of 270 people lost their lives on Scotland’s roads in 2008, down from 281 in 2007 and the lowest figure since records began. The number of people reported seriously injured rose by eight per cent to 2,568.
But, as RoSPA highlighted in June when the headline figures were released, the number of children killed rose from nine in 2007 to 20 in 2008, with the biggest rise being among children travelling in cars. The overall number of children reported injured on Scotland’s roads fell by seven per cent to 1,689 in 2008.
Kathleen Braidwood, RoSPA’s road safety officer for Scotland, said: “These detailed road casualty figures show that driver or rider errors are the most commonly cited factors in reported road accidents in Scotland. They highlight a real need to promote a lifelong learning approach to training for drivers and motorcyclists – for individuals but also for companies employing people who drive in the course of their work.
“The only formal driver or rider training most of us do is in preparation for our learner tests. But we can all pick up bad habits over time and that is why having an independent assessment of our skills or some further training, perhaps even leading to an advanced test, is a good investment. Lifelong learning really is the key. This can include practical training courses, a willingness to keep up with new technology and changing road conditions and reflecting on the way we drive or ride. Not only can it make us safer on the road, but it should also increase the enjoyment we get from driving or riding.”
She added: “As we stated in June, the disappointing increase in children being killed in cars demonstrates the importance of efforts to raise awareness of the law regarding child car seats and how to fit them correctly. A correctly fitted child car seat of the right size for the child can play a valuable role in reducing the severity of injuries suffered in the event of a crash.”