The introduction of the new legislation, ‘Causing death or serious injury by dangerous cycling,’ which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years, has sparked important discussions about the disparities in laws governing road safety. While this new law aims to close a legislative gap, it also brings into sharp focus the differences in how serious incidents involving cyclists and motor vehicle drivers are treated.
To illustrate, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 increased the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life imprisonment. On the other hand, causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court. This disparity highlights the need for a more unified and comprehensive approach to road safety legislation.
There has been considerable debate regarding the prioritisation of this legislative change. Some argue that there are more pressing road safety concerns that require immediate attention from central government.
For instance, using CrashMap Pro, we discovered that between 2019 and 2022, there were 352 fatalities involving pedal cyclists and motor vehicles, compared to 9 pedestrian fatalities in collisions with pedal cycles. This stark contrast underscores the areas requiring urgent attention and resource allocation. Such insights, derived in just minutes with CrashMap Pro, are crucial for developing effective road safety strategies.
At Agilysis, our mission is to enhance road safety through the application of the Safe System methodology. We are proud to collaborate with local authorities across the UK, including Scotland and Wales, to implement Safe System-focused strategies aimed at creating safer road networks for all users. Our efforts are not just about reporting statistics but also about designing interventions that save lives. Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and each serious injury has profound impacts on individuals and communities.
In today's climate, where initiatives such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), 20mph speed limits, and Smart Motorways face popular scrutiny despite strong evidence supporting their effectiveness, it's vital to remain focused on impactful policies. The need for data-driven decision-making in road safety has never been greater.
One of our most powerful tools in achieving this goal is CrashMap Pro, a professional online mapping solution that provides enhanced analytical capabilities. CrashMap Pro enables users to quickly and easily filter, select, and download official STATS 19 data, presenting it in a highly visual and comprehensible way.
CrashMap Pro empowers users with the data and analytical tools necessary to make informed decisions. With our current price freeze, you can subscribe to CrashMap Pro for just £995 per year until June 30th. This offer ensures that your organisation can access critical road safety data without financial barriers.
At Agilysis, we believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of proactive prevention through a systematic approach, which builds on the understanding that comes from insightful analysis. By leveraging tools like CrashMap Pro, we can work together to create safer communities.
