Road safety reform must not overlook life after an accident

The UK was once regarded as a global leader in road safety, but other nations have made greater progress in recent decades. 

The UK has slipped down the rankings and is now only the fourth safest country in Europe, measured by road deaths per million people. 

The government’s recently published Road Safety Strategy may be overdue but is a welcome programme to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on UK roads.

In 2024 there were 1,602 fatalities and 27,865 people seriously injured on British roads. 

Of those killed or seriously injured, 20% were motorcyclists and 18% were young people aged between 17 and 24. These figures underline both the scale of the problem and the disproportionate impact on certain groups of road users.

Even with improved education, enforcement and vehicle safety, road traffic collisions will continue to occur, and when they do, the consequences for individuals and families can be devastating.

Sue Brown, Motor Accident Solicitors Society

Two specific targets have been set by the strategy: a 65% reduction in the overall number of deaths and serious injuries by 2035; and a 70% reduction in deaths and serious injuries involving children under the age of 16.

Built around four themes – supporting road users; technology, data and innovation for vehicle safety; safe infrastructure; and robust enforcement – there are many sensible and pragmatic proposals, including minimum learning periods for learner drivers, a reduction in the blood alcohol limit, mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70, new safety technologies, further research into headlamp glare, updated guidance on local speed cameras and a wider consideration of enforcement and sanctions for offences such as uninsured driving, hit-and-run incidents, illegal number plates and failure to wear a seatbelt.

To oversee delivery of the strategy and monitor progress against its targets, a new Road Safety Board is being established, chaired by the minister for local transport. 

The Board will include representatives from government departments and delivery bodies, supported by an expert advisory panel comprising organisations such as the emergency services, road safety groups, and motorcycle, professional driver and rider associations. 

This governance structure is a welcome development, recognising the importance of drawing on practical experience when shaping and delivering road safety policy.

Part of picture

For those who represent victims of road traffic collisions, prevention is only one part of the picture. 

Even with improved education, enforcement and vehicle safety, road traffic collisions will continue to occur, and when they do, the consequences for individuals and families can be devastating. 

The human consequences of road traffic collisions cannot be fully understood through statistics alone. Claimant and defendant representatives see these consequences every day.

It is vital that policy discussions do not overlook what happens when prevention fails.

When road traffic collisions do happen, victims will continue to need, and deserve, access to independent legal advice to guide and support them through a complex legal process designed to compensate them for loss and injury suffered through no fault of their own.

The legal process following a serious road traffic collision is often complex and challenging, particularly for individuals who are simultaneously coping with physical injury, psychological trauma and major life disruption. 

Against a backdrop of significant reform within the personal injury sector, access to specialist legal advice is more important than ever.

It is crucial that accident victims are properly supported, that rehabilitation and care needs are identified at an early stage, and that fair compensation is secured to meet long-term needs. 

Accident victims must never be marginalised within an increasingly complex and restrictive landscape.

Teamwork and collaboration of all the relevant parties is vital. 

The lawyers to take care of the legal side and ensure that all the financial, rehabilitation and care needs are appropriate and realised for the long-term. 

The case manager and rehab specialists who not only liaise with the lawyers but work tirelessly with the patient so they can achieve their maximum recovery. 

The medical experts who undertake the necessary surgery and treatment. Charitable organisations to support families and loved ones.

While the personal injury system remains inherently adversarial, its underlying purpose must always be to place the accident victim at the centre of the process. 

Road safety strategies and legal reforms alike must therefore be informed by collaboration, compassion and real-world experience.

Road safety strategies rightly focus on prevention, education and enforcement. These efforts are essential and should be supported. However, no system can eliminate risk entirely. 

When accidents occur, the response must be just as robust, compassionate and well-resourced as the preventative framework.

We all want to be and feel safer on our roads. But until a world without road traffic collisions exists, those who fight for justice, coordinate rehabilitation and support victims through life-changing injuries are an essential part of the road safety ecosystem. 

Ensuring their role is recognised and sustained is fundamental to achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in road safety.