This paper brings together knowledge about current trends in road safety in Great Britain (GB), assesses existing policies, presents the best available estimates of future trends, describes the main problem areas and suggests possible actions for addressing them, and discusses the next steps in developing post-2000 targets and a strategy and a package of measures for addressing them. The 1987 target was to reduce all road accident casualties in GB by a third from the annual average for 1981-85 to the year 2000. Various statistical tables, charts, and graphs of 1995 GB accident statistics and trends are given, and also an international comparison of 1995 fatality rates. Some causes of the trends are outlined, and future trends in traffic and casualty rates are projected; the effects of other policies and influences are considered. Causes of accidents and possible areas for action on safety are considered. Future measures are indicated for: (1) improving the safety of several types of vulnerable road users; (2) speeding accidents; (3) rural roads; (4) novice drivers; (5) heavy lorries; (6) buses and coaches; (7) driver impairment; and (8) vehicle defects. Some measures affecting all casualty and accident types are then reviewed. Finally, post-2000 targets and strategies and next steps for achieving them are discussed.
Abstract