Road casualty reduction targets exceeded in Guildford but work goes on

The Safer Guildford Partnership is pleased to announce that targets set for reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured, and those slightly injured in road traffic accidents for 2010 have been reached and impressively exceeded.

The Casualty Reduction Group (part of the Safer Guildford Partnership) aims to address anti-social driving, change and improve road user behaviour and promote the Drive SMART* campaign.

The number of people who were slightly injured in road traffic accidents in Guildford borough fell by a staggering 20% between 2009 and 2010 and a drop of 6% in the number of those killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents for the same period.

PC Matt Redfern, Guildford Casualty Reduction Officer, said: "We are really pleased with the results achieved through the Drive Smart campaign and are endeavouring to meet the public demands by eliminating casualties on the roads with the resources we have."

Targets set for those with slight injuries in road traffic accidents for 2010 was 830, however the actual number was 674 and a target of 78 was set for those killed or seriously injured, but the actual number was 76 and down from 81 in 2009.

Stephen Mansbridge, Lead Councillor for Community Safety, said: "It is an excellent and significant achievement for the Safer Guildford Partnership to have reduced road casualties in excess of targets set for 2010.

And added: "But of course every death and every injury caused by a road traffic accident is one too many when families are left to endure the devastation of loved ones being killed or seriously injured on our roads."

New targets have been set for 2011/2012 in a bid to reduce these numbers still further and are set out in the Casualty Reduction Group Delivery Plan.

Pippa James, Casualty Reduction Officer, stated: "If these targets are to be met - and hopefully exceeded once again - it is crucial that everyone plays their part. Road safety is everyone's responsibility and there are many things we can all do to help make our roads safer. One very simple piece of advice is never to use your mobile phone whilst driving."