16 people killed or seriously injured on UK roads every day
Mon, 17 Apr 2023
More than 16 people are killed or seriously injured on UK roads every day with a lack of understanding of different types of pedestrian crossings contributing to the problem.
That's according to research by Admiral Car Insurance which has warned of the dangers facing pedestrians on UK roads.
Only 9% of respondents surveyed were able to identify a puffin crossing correctly and more than half (57%) could not identify a pelican crossing.
According to the latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), 6161 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured on UK roads between July 2021 and June 2022, a rise of over 30% compared to the previous year.
The number of pedestrian casualties recorded in the UK reached over 19,000 last year, including those who were killed, seriously injured or slightly injured – more than two every hour.
The hierarchy of road users was added to the Highway Code last year to make UK roads safer for all road users, with pedestrians identified as the most vulnerable due to the risk they face if they are involved in an incident.
However, Admiral's research reveals that only a third (35%) of those surveyed have heard of the guidance. While awareness is slightly better among younger people (41%), just 8% of over-65s are aware of it.
The DfT’s figures also highlight the increased risk facing pedestrians, with the group revealed to be the second-most at risk of death or serious injury after car occupants. In fact, the latest data reveals the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured on British roads increased more than any other road user group, up by 30% compared to the previous year.
Admiral’s research shows that both drivers and pedestrians are confused over the different crossing types on UK roads. The survey shows that 91% of people surveyed were unable to correctly identify a puffin crossing, while almost one in five (18%) couldn’t correctly identify a zebra crossing.
A Freedom of Information request to the DVLA uncovered that 6529 drivers had penalty points on their licence after failing to follow the rules at pedestrian crossings. Of those with points on their licence, motorists aged 33 were the worst offenders.
The insurer also researched the risk facing pedestrians at crossings, with 1 in 5 (20%) revealing they have had an accident or near-miss at a crossing.
The most common causes cited were the driver failing to stop (57%) or the driver going too fast (43%). Despite the obvious risk, over half (56%) of those surveyed admitted they ignore pedestrian crossing instructions when on foot, while 31% of drivers admitted to being an ‘amber gambler’ by driving through amber lights.
Young drivers aged between 18-34 were the most likely to disobey the rules while driving (43%), compared to 18% of over-65s.
Admiral has dealt with over 2300 claims where a pedestrian has been hit by a driver over the last five years, with 77% involving adults and 23% involving children.
Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral Car Insurance, said, "We all have a responsibility to ensure that pedestrians can cross roads safely, and that means understanding the different types of crossings and how to use them correctly. If we all take a little extra care, we can help reduce the number of accidents."
How are non-drivers being made aware of the new Highway Code rules?
