- 412 people were killed in accidents involving young car drivers aged 17-24 years, accounting for 22% of all road deaths
- Nearly a fifth (1,552) of all car occupants killed or seriously injured were young car drivers aged 17-24 years. (DfT, Reported Road Casualties Great Britain)
“The MCI is also concerned about the balance of road safety expenditure between vulnerable modes of transport. So far this year just £1.275million has been earmarked for motorcycle safety under the ‘Think!’ campaign, compared to £40million committed to safer roads for cycling, announced this month. This despite ministers stating that motorcycle safety is a ‘key priority’ in answer to Parliamentary Questions. The motorcycle industry is therefore calling for a rebalancing of road safety expenditure to invest in reducing motorcycle rider vulnerability. The DfT’s forthcoming Transport Policy Framework also needs to recognise and support motorcycling. This is important, given that an increasing number of people using motorcycles for commuting to work.”
The MCI is also highlighting the fact that research shows repeatedly that certain classes of other road users are often not seen by car drivers, unless they know someone personally who drives a similar vehicle, or have had experience of driving one themselves. The Government should therefore take the opportunity of a review of driver testing to make actual experience of driving a motorcycle a component of a car driving test. This would also benefit cyclists. ENDS.
Email the MCI for further information Notes to Editors:
- According to an Freedom Of Information request to the DfT answered on January 21st. “Motorcycling campaign - a spring campaign targeting motorists encouraging them to look out for motorcyclists. This campaign is planned to run from March to April (2013) ahead of an anticipated increase in motorcycling accidents in the Spring. The campaign cost is planned to be £1,275k with £375k falling to the 2012/13 budget
- The Chancellor’s 2013 budget imposed further cuts to the DfT budget of 1% for the 2013/14 period. However, on April 4th 2013, Norman Baker, DfT Minister announced a new £40million spend on safer roads for cyclists.
- Stephen Hammond MP, DfT minster, in response to a written question from Steve Baker MP on April 22nd said: “Reducing the number of motorcyclists killed is a key priority.”