Increase in road injuries and deaths on Merseyside
There has been an increase in the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads here in Merseyside. Data from a Freedom of Information request has shown that in 2023 there were 550 cases, 91 more than the previous year. That's an increase in almost 20%. The levels of deaths and serious injuries are also the highest in five years.
Transcript
00:00 There has been an increase in the number of people being killed or seriously injured on
00:07 our roads here in Merseyside. Data from a Freedom of Information request has shown that
00:13 in 2023 there were 550 cases, 91 more than the previous year, an increase in almost 20%.
00:23 Aftermath support helps those affected by road traffic collisions in and around the
00:27 North West.
00:56 The charity offers a raft of practical and emotional support for those who need it.
01:01 We're a small charity so we're also having to cope with the increase of support in those
01:07 families and the ripple effect within communities can be massive. So, you know, while there
01:15 is people directly involved, we estimate there's at least four other people around that collision
01:21 that are also affected when you think about witnesses as well and, you know, family members,
01:27 colleges, schools, workplaces. So the number affected is much larger than the additional
01:36 people who've been directly affected in the increase.
01:41 Police are particularly keen to raise awareness around four driving-related offences which
01:46 are putting people's lives at risk. Namely, drinking drug driving, using a mobile phone
01:52 behind the wheel, excessive speeding and failing to use seatbelts. These fatal four represent
01:59 the primary contributors of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Annual
02:05 figures for 2023 revealed officers arrested a total of 2,730 drug drivers. That's an average
02:11 of 227 a month or 53 a week. During the festive period, officers detained 191 drink drivers
02:20 and 469 drug drivers. That's a 23% increase on 2022. Officers want to place emphasis particularly
02:30 on the facts around illegal drug driving but also raise awareness about prescription drugs
02:35 if they render the person unfit to be behind the wheel.
02:39 We can all make a difference by adapting our driving to be more responsible. Drivers and
02:44 road users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, anyone who uses the road really does need
02:51 to take on board that responsibility and if we all play our part, hopefully those numbers
02:56 will reduce next year and we're heading to Vision Zero in 2040.
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