21-30 years olds ‘most likely’ to be killed or seriously injured

New analysis of Government statistics shows that 21-30 year olds are the most likely to be killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions.

Using government data on the number of accidents and population in the UK, the personal injury law firm JMW Solicitors has calculated accident rates per age group, by road user – including pedestrians, car drivers and passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists.

The accident rate for pedestrians aged 21-30 years was 282 per 100,000 people, while the rate for car drivers and pedestrians was 49 per 100,000 people and the rate for motorcyclists of the same age was 902 per 100,000 motorcycle owners.

Richard Powell, JMW Solicitors, said: “Road traffic incidents can have a terrible impact on individuals, families and communities, more so when young people are involved. Educating road users about the importance of staying safe while on the road and being more aware is a step in the right direction when it comes to improving road safety as a whole.

“It may seem simple, but reminding people to look left, then right and left again before crossing the road or navigating on it will reduce the chances of these dangerous incidents from occurring.

“Drivers should also show more consideration towards other road users by allowing pedestrians to cross the road and giving cyclists a little extra space. Those not in vehicles should ensure they are not distracted when around the road by not listening to music or using their phones.”

Cyclists aged between 31-40 years were most likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision, with 23 per 100,000 bicycle owners.

A survey of more than 1,500 cyclists, conducted by JMW, revealed that 35% of respondents have been involved in a collision, while 10% said they do not cycle on the road. When asked for their reasons why, most people described cycling on the road as being ‘dangerous’, ‘risky’ and ‘not safe’.

The least likely age groups to be involved in road traffic accidents differed per road user type, as follows:

• 61-70 year olds are the least likely pedestrians to killed or seriously injured – 116 per 100,000 people
• Children aged 0-10 years are the least likely car passengers to be killed or seriously injured – just under seven per 100,000 people
• Motorcyclists aged over 70s are the least likely to be killed or seriously injured – 190 per 100,000 motorcycle owners