Figures Show Cyclists and Pedestrians Increasingly At Risk in Scotland
While Scotland's roads are generally becoming safer, the number of road traffic accident claims involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists is increasing.
Transport Scotland's latest road casualty figures showed that in 2012, there were a total of 174 fatal road accidents in the country - a 6% decline from 2011's figures and 43% lower than figures from a decade ago.
Despite this, the number of cyclist casualties increased by 9% over the year to hit 901, while 57 pedestrians lost their lives on the road - a 33% increase on 2011's figures.
While there are a number of reasons for the decrease in the number of motor vehicle accidents in Scotland, it is thought that economic problems could be pushing down the amount of road traffic accident claims.
People are reluctant to get behind the wheel unnecessarily and are going out less often and driving more efficiently because they have less money to play with and don't want to spend it on petrol or car insurance.
This could also be behind the increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians on Scotland's roads.
RoSPA worries about motor vehicle accidents in Scotland As the economy improves, there are concerns that the number of deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads could increase significantly, as more people will be willing to go for drives when they do not have to worry about money.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said that while the fall in deaths is welcome, the increase in cyclists and pedestrian deaths mars the good news.
The organisation urged drivers to keep their eyes open for vulnerable road users and to pay attention to their speed, and reminded joggers and pedestrians that it can be hard to see them in the dark weather if they are wearing dark clothing.
It advised cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright or fluorescent clothes in the daytime and reflective accessories or clothing at nighttime.
Furthermore, cyclists are legally required to have rear and front lights switched on when it is dark and must have their bike fitted with reflectors.
RoSPA also called for infrastructure improvements, which could reduce the number of road traffic accident claims involving pedestrians or cyclists.
It proposed: - Increasing the number of 20mph zones - Making footways and pavements safe and attractive - Developing safe cycling networks - Implementing convenient and well-designed crossing spaces - Linking quieter roadways together - Introducing cycle tracks and lanes - Developing additional off-road routes People are increasingly interested in getting about on bike or by foot, especially when their finances are under pressure, but the move towards cycling and other green transport choices and away from cars will remain underway for many years.
Reducing the number of road traffic accident claims these vulnerable road users are involved in and improving road safety for them should therefore remain a key priority for local authorities and governments for many years to come.
Transport Scotland's latest road casualty figures showed that in 2012, there were a total of 174 fatal road accidents in the country - a 6% decline from 2011's figures and 43% lower than figures from a decade ago.
Despite this, the number of cyclist casualties increased by 9% over the year to hit 901, while 57 pedestrians lost their lives on the road - a 33% increase on 2011's figures.
While there are a number of reasons for the decrease in the number of motor vehicle accidents in Scotland, it is thought that economic problems could be pushing down the amount of road traffic accident claims.
People are reluctant to get behind the wheel unnecessarily and are going out less often and driving more efficiently because they have less money to play with and don't want to spend it on petrol or car insurance.
This could also be behind the increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians on Scotland's roads.
RoSPA worries about motor vehicle accidents in Scotland As the economy improves, there are concerns that the number of deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads could increase significantly, as more people will be willing to go for drives when they do not have to worry about money.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said that while the fall in deaths is welcome, the increase in cyclists and pedestrian deaths mars the good news.
The organisation urged drivers to keep their eyes open for vulnerable road users and to pay attention to their speed, and reminded joggers and pedestrians that it can be hard to see them in the dark weather if they are wearing dark clothing.
It advised cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright or fluorescent clothes in the daytime and reflective accessories or clothing at nighttime.
Furthermore, cyclists are legally required to have rear and front lights switched on when it is dark and must have their bike fitted with reflectors.
RoSPA also called for infrastructure improvements, which could reduce the number of road traffic accident claims involving pedestrians or cyclists.
It proposed: - Increasing the number of 20mph zones - Making footways and pavements safe and attractive - Developing safe cycling networks - Implementing convenient and well-designed crossing spaces - Linking quieter roadways together - Introducing cycle tracks and lanes - Developing additional off-road routes People are increasingly interested in getting about on bike or by foot, especially when their finances are under pressure, but the move towards cycling and other green transport choices and away from cars will remain underway for many years.
Reducing the number of road traffic accident claims these vulnerable road users are involved in and improving road safety for them should therefore remain a key priority for local authorities and governments for many years to come.