Essex road deaths fall by 28% during 2017

Figures published today (11 Jan) by Essex Police show that the number of people killed or seriously injured on Essex roads fell in 2017.

The figures show that 46 people were killed on the county’s roads in 2017 compared with 64 in 2016 – a year-on-year fall of 28%.

There was also a year-on-year decline in the number of serious injuries – down 11% from 970 to 861.

Nicola Foster, chairman of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, said that while it was ‘wonderful’ to see fewer deaths and serious injuries, the county remains ‘a long way’ from achieving the vision of zero deaths.

2017 saw important changes to national legislation including a doubling of the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel to £200 and six points. Since the beginning of March when the new penalties came into effect, Essex Police has dealt with more than 2,000 mobile phone offences.

In December, SERP also launched the ‘Extra Eyes’ initiative – which encourages road users to submit footage showing dangerous road user behaviour.

Adam Pipe casualty reduction manager at Essex Police  says Essex Police has already seen a significant number of people submitting dash cam footage as a result of Extra Eyes – which allows the force to better investigate incidents.

He also confirmed that 2018 will see the introduction of a ‘Close Pass’ scheme to help protect cyclists and identify drivers putting cyclists in danger.

Nicola Foster said:

“It’s wonderful to see fewer deaths on Essex roads but we are still a long way from achieving the vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

“We need everyone to encourage their family and friends to take a little more care of themselves and others so that everyone makes their journey safely.”

Adam Pipe said:

“It’s really positive that fewer people are being hurt or killed on our roads but the number is still far too high and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to make Essex even safer.

“Our most vulnerable road users are drivers and passengers aged between 17 and 25 years, motorcyclists, older drivers, and pedestrians – and we will be focussing our engagement, enforcement and education work towards them.

“We also continue to see people drink driving with 1,061 people arrested for it last year – a rise from 2016. This is unacceptable and will again be a focus for us in the coming 12 months.

“Communities in Essex can play a really big role in helping to keep the county’s roads safe.

“Information, intelligence and footage from the public is critical to identify people flouting the rules of the road and ensuring we can bring them to justice – this work will continue.”

11 January 2018