Covid-19 has had terrible consequences. It has also turned the transport agenda upside-down, showing that major change is possible, necessary and desirable. The government is investing in active travel and safety is crucial to encouraging more people to walk and cycle. This PACTS report calls on the government to adopt new analysis that highlights danger, not vulnerability, and the vehicles that most put others’ lives at risk.
What kills most on the roads? New analysis for the new transport agenda uses graphics and charts to show the total casualties associated with each mode of transport, including those of other road users. Based on GB 2019 fatality data from DfT, published September 2020, the PACTS report shows absolute fatality numbers and rates by distance travelled. It provides more detailed analysis of the vehicles involved in collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Following interest in the road safety impact of vans, PACTS has published an updated version of this report which includes figure 10a on who is killed by Vans.
PACTS, What kills most on the roads? New analysis for the new agenda, November 2020.
Full report PACTS What kills most on the roads – Report [15.0]
Most people who die on the roads are much more likely to be killed in a car, or by a car, than any other mode. By contrast, pedestrians and cyclists are rarely involved in collisions that result in the death of other road users.
Per mile travelled, vans and light goods vehicles are involved in more deaths of other road users than any other vehicle type, more even than HGVs. Motorcycles have the highest user fatality rate.
David Davies, PACTS Executive Director, said: “This new style of report shows road danger as well as vulnerability. It highlights the overall risks involved with different modes of transport, including the risks posed to others.
“We hope the DfT will include this form of analysis in its future publications, leading to a better understanding not only by experts but also by politicians and media of the sources of road danger and how forward-thinking polices on active travel can be achieved in parallel with ambitious road safety objectives.”
Barry Sheerman MP, Chair of PACTS says, in the foreword to the report: “To bring about change we need good research, delivered with passion in language that connects with people, politicians and pundits. We must not be afraid to talk in plain terms about the dangers on the road and who is affected most.”
The report was made possible by grants from the Foundation for Integrated Transport and the Safer Roads Foundation.
