Accidental Injury
8.59 The death rate from land transport accidents, which are predominantly road traffic collisions (RTCs), is average in the South West compared with the rest of England, but there is considerable local variation across the region. In 2002-2004, Local Authorities with resident death rates from land transport accidents significantly above the England rate were: West Dorset, Mendip, Tewkesbury, North Dorset, South Somerset and West Somerset. However, in 2004-06, Local Authorities with resident death rates significantly above the England rate were: Caradon, North Cornwall, Forest of Dean, Mendip and Salisbury.
8.60 Over half of road deaths are to people aged under 30 and road traffic collisions are a significant contributor to premature mortality, causing 5% of all years of life lost before the age of 75 in the region. A further 24,000 people are injured each year, with around 10% sustaining serious injury and requiring treatment in hospital. Of particular concern is the established association between socio-economic deprivation and accidental road injury, particularly for children. People living in the most deprived areas are much more likely to be killed or injured on the road, particularly as a pedestrian.
8.61 It is also important to view road safety in a wider context. People in the South West are currently extremely dependent on private transport, particularly in rural areas. Alongside the improvement of the relative safety of vehicles, local transport planning should encourage the use of and make provision for modes of transport that are environmentally sustainable and increase physical activity. Road danger is a strong disincentive to use of 'active transport' (walking and cycling) and therefore can indirectly contribute to rising levels of obesity.