Fall in number of North Yorkshire road casualties

Statistics from the Department for Transport show that the number of people killed in 2014 compared to 2013 fell from 51 to 40 in 2014 and the number seriously injured was down to 391 from 425. The number of motorcyclist deaths also fell from 15 in 2013 to 11 in 2014.

Despite the reduction, road casualties in the county are still higher than other parts in the region; partly due to the area being such a popular tourist destination, and North Yorkshire County Council and its partners in the 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership has said they will continue to prioritise road safety.

County councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire's executive member for road safety said: "A fall in the number of deaths and serious injury on our roads is very welcome news indeed.

"But we must never be complacent. We continue to be vigilant and work with our partners and the public in keeping our county's roads as safe as possible."

The 95Alive partnership works with children and young people in schools to create road safety curriculum resources along with the national cycle training scheme Bikeability. The team also runs Drive Alive which is aimed at young drivers to educate them on the dangers of driving and how to drive safely.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, of North Yorkshire Police, said that the force is also aiming to increase the awareness of motorbikes on roads.

He said: “It is encouraging that figures show there were fewer fatalities on our roads in 2014 than the previous year. However, the figures are still too high and our work with the 95Alive Road Safety Partnership, numerous road safety charities and the Government, will continue as we strive to make our roads as safe as they possibly can be.

“Despite the educational activities we are undertaking, enforcement is still a key part of our approach to road safety and anyone putting lives in danger by driving irresponsibly will be appropriately dealt with.”