Warnings as road injuries shoot up

Drivers are urged to take more care after the number of people seriously injured on Kent’s roads shot up by more than a third.

The latest figures for 2016 released by Kent County Council and Medway Council show those who survived severe accidents went from 652 in 2015 to 930 in 2016 - a rise of 278 cases.

But while the number of crash injuries increased, there was a slight drop in fatalities, with 48 people losing their lives last year compared to 55 in 2015.

It means the total overall number of people killed or hurt in road incidents went from 707 in 2015 to 978 in 2016 - a 38% increase.

Research shows the way drivers behave behind the wheel is the main cause of 95% of incidents.

And three quarters of crashes where people are injured happen solely because of the decisions motorists make such as driving when over the alcohol or drug limit, speeding or while using a mobile phone.

The increase is also thought to be down to the way crashes are categorised by police, with slight injuries now being recorded as serious injuries.

Kent County Council’s casualty reduction manager Steve Horton said: “One mistake or a moment when you are not paying attention can have long-lasting or tragic consequences.

“Too many people are involved in crashes on Kent’s roads. Whilst we believe the changes in recording injuries has affected the category of some injuries, we still know that overall there were 5% more injury crashes last year and one crash is too many.

“We can all help reduce that number by being more patient, being more alert to other road users and sharing our roads safely.”

There was also a year-on-year increase in the number of motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and passengers killed or seriously injured on Kent’s roads, as well as those under 16 and over 65.

The council met with Kent Police, Highways England, Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent Fire and Rescue Service on Monday to discuss what can be done to bring down the number of crash injuries and fatalities.

They decided to tackle the problem through education and enforcement, by running campaigns throughout the year focused on speed, seatbelt use, drink and drug impairment and drivers who use mobile phones.