2009 Northants Road Statistics released

Released on behalf of the Northamptonshire Casualty Reduction Partnership

Figures released by the Northamptonshire Casualty Reduction Partnership today show casualties on the county's roads during 2009 reached an all-time low.

The figures also confirm the number of people killed on the roads in the county during 2009 as the lowest since official records began in 1960.

Also revealed in these figures is a 49% reduction in the overall number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) since the baseline period of 1994 to 1998 (the time period used to set government targets).

The 2009 figures for Northamptonshire show:   Fatalities · A total of 34 lives were lost on the county's roads during 2009. · This represents a 3% reduction compared to 2008 when 35 people lost their lives. · This represents a 29% reduction compared to the baseline period of 1994 to 1998 when an average of 48 people lost their lives per year.
KSI casualties · The total number of KSI casualties during 2009 was 391.
· This represents a 10% reduction compared to 2008 when there were 435 KSI casualties. · This represents a 49% reduction compared to the baseline period of 1994 to 1998 when there was an average of 773 KSI casualties per year. · This compares to a Government set target of a 40% reduction in KSI casualties by the end of 2010.   Slight injuries · The total number of slight injuries during 2009 was 1,555. · This represents a 12% reduction compared to 2008 when there were 1,773 slight injuries. · This represents a 33% reduction compared to the baseline period of 1994 to 1998 when there was an average of 2,316 slight casualties per year. · This compares to a Government set target of a 10% reduction in slight casualties by the end of 2010.   All casualties · The total number of all casualties (this includes all killed, serious and slight injuries) during 2009 was 1,946. · This represents a 12% reduction compared to 2008 when the total for all casualties was 2,208. · This represents a 37% reduction compared to the baseline period of 1994 to 1998 when there was an average of 3,089 casualties per year.   Cllr Heather Smith, county council cabinet member for environment, growth and transport said: "This is the first year there has been less than 2,000 casualties on the county's roads and is also the lowest year ever for all injury types. However, although our roads are safer than they have ever been, we must remember that behind every statistic is a family coming to terms with the loss of a loved one or adapting to life with a serious injury. Northamptonshire County Council, the police and other partners, working together as the Casualty Reduction Partnership, will continue to work towards further reducing road casualties during 2010 through education, enforcement and engineering programmes."

Several schemes are co-ordinated by the partnership including skills sessions for young drivers and motorcyclists held at Silverstone Circuit and Rockingham Motor Speedway. Information on how to apply for the free sessions can be found at www.reducingroadcasualties.com and www.bikekraft.co.uk

Other Local News from Northampton

• VIDEO: Badminton pair battle for GB place
• Gloucester v Northampton (Sat)
• Housing growth plan row resolved
• Kettering P-P AFC Telford
• Poppies all but dead - supporters
• View All Latest News in Northampton