Injury news
12/05/2011

Police instant fines may prevent poor driving leading to crashes

In an effort to reduce the number of vehicle accidents caused by poor driving behaviour, the police are to be given powers to issue on-the-spot fines for offences such as tailgating and undertaking.

Drivers would not have to pay cash immediately and would have the right to challenge the decision in court, but the Transport Minister said the aim was to allow police to effectively address poor driving skills and free up court and police resources to tackle really dangerous drivers.

Other measures scheduled to be introduced later in the year include forcing disqualified drivers to take extra training before regaining their licences, increased powers for the police to seize vehicles, a crackdown on driving under the influence of drugs, and changing rules on blood and breath tests for drink-drivers.

Speed limits may also be changed with suggestions that motorway drivers could be allowed to travel at up to 80mph but some rural roads may become subject to lower speeds.

Although the Government is seeking a cost-benefit analysis of speed limits, it is not looking simply at safety but also at the effects on the economy. Some politicians and pressure groups are concerned that higher vehicle speeds would mean greater use of fuel.

A DfT spokesman said, "We need to make sure we are looking at the right criteria when considering speed limits. This means looking at the economic benefits of shorter journey times as well as considering the implications for road safety."

Overall, the number of casualties in road accidents in England and Wales is reducing but statistics for 2009 reveal that the most common cause of driver or rider error includes failing to look properly.

In fatal crashes, loss of control was the most frequently reported contributory cause and, although excess speed was only involved in 5% of accidents, they led to 17% of deaths. Pedestrians failing to look properly accounted for more than half of accidents in that category and a further 23% of victims were judged to have been careless, reckless or in a hurry.

If a vehicle driver or motorbike rider is judged responsible for causing an injury accident, they may become liable for paying compensation for pain, suffering and loss of earnings to the victims of their actions or neglect.