Fewer road fatalities
As new figures reveal road deaths across North Lanarkshire are decreasing, Wishaw’s MSP believes the hard work must continue to curb any more fatalities.
Last year there were five deaths on North Lanarkshire roads with 64 people being seriously injured.
There were 447 people injured in total.
That compares to an average between 2004 and 2008 when there were 11 deaths, 90 serious injuries and almost 750 accidents on local roads.
In neighbouring South Lanarkshire, last year there were six deaths, 63 serious injuries and 503 people involved in accidents.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: “All deaths and injuries on our roads are to be profoundly regretted, but we can take some reassurance for the future in the real progress evidenced in Transport Scotland’s latest figures in relation to road accidents in Scotland and in North Lanarkshire which show a significant downward trend.
“Alongside Transport Scotland’s on-going work there are always particular national and local initiatives which contribute to this progress and deserve commendation.
“This year’s Child Safety Week in early June focused on Turn Off Technology, highlighting the risks of, for example, using mobile phones when crossing the road.
“Locally, I recently lodged a Parliamentary Motion congratulating the many North Lanarkshire primary schools who won a terrific collection of awards at Road Safety Scotland’s 2016 Junior Road Safety Officers Annual Awards.
“There is always more to be done so I am greatly encouraged by the continuing work going on at local and national level and I commend all those involved in these initiatives.”
Across the country, the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads fell by 20 per cent year- on- year, according to the new figures.
A total of 162 people died following road accidents in 2015 - the lowest number since records began in 1950.
The number of those killed on Scotland’s roads and the injury rate is much reduced.”
The annual statistics show a total of 10,950 people were injured or killed on Scotland’s roads in 2015.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents ( RoSPA) welcomed the figures but suggests caution when considering any annual casualty data in isolation.
Sandy Allan, RoSPA’s road safety manager in Scotland, said: “Following an increase in the number of people killed and seriously injured during 2014, the reductions forecast for 2015 are welcomed but with nearly 11,000 people being injured on our roads it should not be seen as a good news story.
“Among these figures we still have 162 families devastated by the loss of loved ones who never returned home.
“We all need to take care on the road and be aware and respect others.”
Work ongoing at all levels