From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 04, 2008

DEVON County Council is to discuss with members of the Devon Road Casualty Reduction Partnership what lessons can be learned from provisional Police figures which show that 49 people were killed in 42 separate collisions on Devon's roads in 2007.

The figures are the highest total in Devon since 2000, and a disappointing increase on the 2006 total of 36 deaths.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "Numbers of fatalities do fluctuate year by year and there is usually no single factor to account for increases or decreases. But road safety experts from the County Council will be discussing the toll with partners in the emergency services and the Highways Agency to see what issues need to be addressed in the programme of road safety for 2008."

A more detailed analysis from the County Council's road safety group reveals that 28 of the fatal collisions occurred on rural roads with a speed limit of 60mph and 70mph, with ten of these on trunk roads owned by the Highways Agency. 13 fatal collisions were in 'urban' speed limits of 30 and 40mph.

The victims were predominantly car or van occupants (19 drivers and 12 passengers), but 10 were motorcycle riders or pillions. Four pedestrians died, as well as two HGV occupants, a tractor driver and quad bike rider. No cyclists were killed, nor any children under 16 years of age.

While some of these collisions are still subject to police or coroners' investigations, initial intelligence suggests that around half of these collisions may be attributed to basic errors of judgement or lapses. These include right turn manoeuvres, in-car distractions and excessive speeds by motorcyclists. It seems likely that several may have involved drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Edward Chorlton, Devon County Council's Director for Environment, Economy and Culture, said: "The circumstances of these tragic collisions is probably a reflection of the issues facing Devon County Council and our partners in the emergency services and the Highways Agency. The more severe collisions are largely on higher speed rural roads, with an over-representation of motorcyclists dying from misjudging speeds or overtaking. Most people who were involved in the collisions on Devon County Council roads had local addresses and are presumably familiar with Devon roads.

"Each death sends a shock wave through the communities and families affected by the collision. It must be particularly hard to come to terms with the tragedy when someone is the innocent victim of someone else's behaviour. I would like to think that passengers in vehicles could be more active in letting their driver know that they expect to be driven safely.

"With regard to anti-social and illegal driving, Devon County Council will explore further ways in 2008, in conjunction with police and others, to contribute to the Safer Communities programme in Devon."

Notes for Editors:

For more information contact Tim Hipwell, Devon County Council Collision Investigator, 01392 383689.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.