Thames Valley: Road Fatalities Rise

28 January 2015, 16:27

A total of 78 people died in 72 road traffic collisions in the Thames Valley during 2014.

The number of deaths have increased from 2013 when 57 people died in a total of 55 fatal collisions.

Head of Roads Policing Ch Insp Henry Parsons said: "The rise in fatal collisions across the Thames Valley is exceptionally disappointing with each fatality causing untold misery and distress to the loved ones of the people who died.

"Each statistic represents a family which has lost someone in sudden and tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain with families affected in this way. Specially-trained family liaison officers are appointed to provide support in these circumstances.

"The causes of the collisions are varied, with many still under investigation. Some of these involve criminal investigations for causing death by dangerous driving or death by careless driving."

Compared to 2013, there has been a rise in the numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, car passengers and heavy goods vehicles drivers killed in traffic collisions.

The levels of motorcyclists and light goods vehicles drivers and passengers killed on the Force's road network have reduced.

Last year in Buckinghamshire 20 people died in 16 collisions, 19 people died in Berkshire in 18 collisions, 12 people died in Milton Keynes in 11 collisions and 27 people died in 27 collisions in Oxfordshire.

Ch Insp Parsons added: "Our team works in partnership with local authorities and other emergency services to improve road safety. We will continue to deliver targeted enforcement to reduce the risks of collisions.

"In addition we will continue to deliver innovative, appropriate, alternatives to prosecution as well as our "Safe Drive, Stay Alive" package aimed at young people and our "Bike Safe" campaign for motorcyclists."