Since 2000, the Government has been working hard to reduce the number of casualties on Britain’s roads and has recently published figures. Despite ongoing improvements in road safety since the 1980s, Britain still has a high level of road traffic accidents, a figure which reached over 247,000 in 2007.

Despite a 16% increase in the number of cars on the road, the Department for Transport has reported a 7% reduction in the number of injuries caused by road traffic accidents in 2009. The Government is making real progress in its 40% reduction pledge by 2010.

Think!, the Government’s road safety campaign group, has played an important part in the decline of road traffic accidents. Since 2000 they have been raising the profile of road safety through a series of campaigns focusing on all aspects of road safety, from drink driving to using public transport. They have also been praised for highlighting lesser known road safety issues like tiredness and using mobile phones. Think! has also worked alongside the police and local authorities, supporting local initiatives and offering free educational resources.

This decline in the figures is coupled with the Government’s introduction of a new and simpler process for claiming compensation after a road traffic accident which aims to reduce the many delays faced by claimants. This is an important step in cases where liability can be easily and quickly resolved and offers good news for any victims of future road traffic accidents.