BackA drop in speed saves lives
For many years now, Living Streets has been calling for 20mph to be the default speed for motor vehicles wherever people live, work, or play. We launched a national campaign to put pressure on local authorities’ right across the UK to bring a 20mph limit to our cities, towns, and villages.
The stark facts are this: a pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 97% chance of survival. As speeds increase, the chance of survival falls steeply. If a vehicle is travelling at 35 mph, half of all pedestrians hit will lose their lives. A default 20mph limit would have an immediate positive impact on road traffic collisions, drastically cutting road casualties and helping to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets for all.
The story of Dr Nick Foreman is a valuable illustration of the importance of the ongoing 20mph campaign throughout the country. First published in the British Medical Journal, the article is titled ‘The day I hit a child at 20mph – and realised the speed limit must be cut’.
Driving along a well-lit suburban road at 20mph, Dr Foreman hit a child who had ran into the road and an adult who had followed. The child had appeared all of a sudden out of nowhere. Visibly shaken and in an audible panic Nick phoned 999. Thankfully no major injuries were sustained by the child or the adult, who nursed some bruises at their home.
By driving at 10mph below the current limit of 30mph, Dr Foreman saved both the child's and adult's lives. Had he been going any faster at the point of impact this could have ended up as another tragedy on our roads. Dr Foreman emphasises in his article that this can happen to anyone, which serves as an excellent example of why built-up areas need a 20mph speed restriction to save lives and make our streets safer.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said:
“This story brings home just how important our campaign is for lower speed limits where we live, work and play. Reducing motor traffic speeds on our streets is the single biggest measure which will make them safe and vibrant places.
“Now is the time for Government to take action to improve road safety across the UK, by making it as easy as possible to implement 20mph schemes locally. You can help too by getting involved in our 20mph campaign and campaigning locally. New Minister are looking at this issue, and we need to show them the widespread support for this measure across the country. ”
“We admire Dr Foreman’s stance on the issue, as is his manner in dealing with the unfortunate event of a road traffic accident.”
You can start campaigning to get 20mph made a reality where you live.
Read Dr. Foreman’s article , as first published in the British Medical Journal. Thank you to 20splentyforus for this information. www.20splentyforus.org.uk
Published on: 08/07/2010
