RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : 2003

More than two thirds of the UK’s next generation of drivers expect to do a deal with their parents so that they can use the family car, according to a survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. But worried moms and dads who say “yes” will know that their children are in the age group most likely to be involved in a crash. Full Story»

RoSPA’s Chief Driving Examiner Bob Smalley has been elected chairman of AIRSO, one of the country’s leading road safety organisations. He is aiming to improve the standard of driving in the UK, particularly among company car and van drivers. Full Story»

Nick Brown, the Government minister responsible for health and safety at work, will launch the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents national occupational safety congress in May. He heads a list of influential speakers including George Cox, Director General of the Institute of Directors, John Edmonds, General Secretary of the GMB union, and Kate Timms, Deputy Director General of the Health and Safety Executive. Full Story»

New proof that speed cameras are saving lives was welcomed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today. Government figures reveal a 35 per cent fall in deaths and serious injuries in eight areas where cash from speeding fines has been re-invested in more camera use. Average speeds fell by 10 per cent. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has honoured local groups that have helped to make the workplace safer. RoSPA has 80 occupational safety groups around the UK made up of employers, health and safety inspectors and trade unionists. They meet regularly to pool ideas and provide support for one another. Full Story»

Thousands of motorists who have survived crashes because of the seatbelt law introduced 20 years ago this week can thank the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents they are alive. It was RoSPA that was behind the original law, but failure to wear a seatbelt today is still costing around 160 lives a year in the UK and thousands of injuries – many because people won’t belt-up in the back. Full Story»

With the holiday booking season approaching its peak, new figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reveal that at least 60 UK nationals drown abroad each year. Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water and Leisure Manager, said: “I am sure this figure will shock most people. Drowning while on holiday is far more common than is realised, but many of these deaths could be prevented if people took more care when booking their trip. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has called on fleet bosses to play their part in beating the drink-drive menace, after reports revealed no recent progress in tackling the problem. Figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show that nearly nine per cent of drivers tested after collisions during the Christmas and New Year period failed a breath test – the highest percentage since 1997/1998. Full Story»

The Government must stiffen the law if the drink-driving menace is to beaten, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today as new figures revealed no progress in recent Christmas campaigns. RoSPA said that lowering the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg could save 50 lives and prevent hundreds of injuries on UK roads each year. As well as a reduction in the limit, police had to be given powers to breath test drivers anywhere and at any time. Full Story»

As the big freeze continued today, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned people not to risk their lives by walking on frozen lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals. Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water and Leisure Manager, said that even by walking close to the water’s edge people were putting their lives in danger. Full Story»