South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
26 Sep 2024
Increase in road deaths in South Yorkshire
More than 800 people were killed or seriously injured in a South Yorkshire traffic collision in 2023 – a stark reminder of the need for us all to take responsibility for road safety.
Tragically, thirty-nine people lost their lives in a road crash in 2023 – an increase of four people from the previous year. A further 802 people were seriously injured in a collision in our county.
The official 2023 Road Casualty Statistics, released by the Department for Transport today (26 September), show a return to pre-pandemic trends on roads across Great Britain.
Tom Finnegan-Smith, Chair of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) Strategic Board, said: “Today is no different to any other day for those families and friends who have lost loved ones in a road traffic collision and their lives changed forever.
“It’s vital that we all work together if we have any chance of preventing further tragedy and loss.”
While serious injuries on local roads increased by 2 per cent compared to 2022, there were reductions in the number of motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and pedestrians seriously injured in collisions.
Figures for car drivers and passengers, however, increased by almost 6 per cent with 423 car occupants killed or seriously injured in 2023.
In a bid to reduce casualties, members of SYSRP have adopted the Safe System approach to road safety with an ultimate goal of Vision Zero – putting an end to all road deaths. Using data to identify those most at risk, partners deliver a programme of targeted interventions across education, engineering and enforcement.
Mr Finnegan-Smith added: “We know as a partnership that Vision Zero is ambitious but there is simply no other acceptable target.
“By signing up to this aim we are joining colleagues from across the world and making a statement that we are committed to making our roads safer and end the unnecessary pain and grief caused by each and every fatal collision.
“As partners we will continue to develop and invest in our education, engineering and enforcement programmes to ensure we are making our system as safe as possible.
“In return, we ask that you give the road your full attention, travel at a safe speed, wear your seatbelt, don’t drive or ride impaired and ensure that your vehicle is safely maintained.
“Please be assured that anyone who chooses to risk lives by breaking the law will be dealt with by our policing teams and will be brought to justice.”
Through the Vision Zero strategy, members of the partnership deliver road safety education programmes, casualty reduction travel schemes, invest in road improvements and engage with the public through behaviour change campaigns. Road traffic officers enforce the network through daily activity, mobile safety cameras and strategic operations.
Examples of interventions include free first aid sessions for motorcyclists, Community Speed Watch schemes, young driver workshops and Active Travel campaigns which raise awareness about pedestrian, horse rider and cycle safety. The partnership is also a member of the National Young Rider Forum and Vision Zero North – a collaboration of northern road safety partnerships.
Tragically, thirty-nine people lost their lives in a road crash in 2023 – an increase of four people from the previous year. A further 802 people were seriously injured in a collision in our county.
The official 2023 Road Casualty Statistics, released by the Department for Transport today (26 September), show a return to pre-pandemic trends on roads across Great Britain.
Tom Finnegan-Smith, Chair of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) Strategic Board, said: “Today is no different to any other day for those families and friends who have lost loved ones in a road traffic collision and their lives changed forever.
“It’s vital that we all work together if we have any chance of preventing further tragedy and loss.”
While serious injuries on local roads increased by 2 per cent compared to 2022, there were reductions in the number of motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and pedestrians seriously injured in collisions.
Figures for car drivers and passengers, however, increased by almost 6 per cent with 423 car occupants killed or seriously injured in 2023.
In a bid to reduce casualties, members of SYSRP have adopted the Safe System approach to road safety with an ultimate goal of Vision Zero – putting an end to all road deaths. Using data to identify those most at risk, partners deliver a programme of targeted interventions across education, engineering and enforcement.
Mr Finnegan-Smith added: “We know as a partnership that Vision Zero is ambitious but there is simply no other acceptable target.
“By signing up to this aim we are joining colleagues from across the world and making a statement that we are committed to making our roads safer and end the unnecessary pain and grief caused by each and every fatal collision.
“As partners we will continue to develop and invest in our education, engineering and enforcement programmes to ensure we are making our system as safe as possible.
“In return, we ask that you give the road your full attention, travel at a safe speed, wear your seatbelt, don’t drive or ride impaired and ensure that your vehicle is safely maintained.
“Please be assured that anyone who chooses to risk lives by breaking the law will be dealt with by our policing teams and will be brought to justice.”
Through the Vision Zero strategy, members of the partnership deliver road safety education programmes, casualty reduction travel schemes, invest in road improvements and engage with the public through behaviour change campaigns. Road traffic officers enforce the network through daily activity, mobile safety cameras and strategic operations.
Examples of interventions include free first aid sessions for motorcyclists, Community Speed Watch schemes, young driver workshops and Active Travel campaigns which raise awareness about pedestrian, horse rider and cycle safety. The partnership is also a member of the National Young Rider Forum and Vision Zero North – a collaboration of northern road safety partnerships.
