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Figures reveal extent of those killed or seriously injured on Kent's roads

Drivers are urged to take more care after the number of people seriously injured on Kent's roads shot up by more than a third.

The latest figures for 2016 released by Kent County Council and Medway Council show those who survived severe accidents went from 652 in 2015 to 930 in 2016 - a rise of 278 cases.

But while the number of crash injuries increased, there was a slight drop in fatalities, with 48 people losing their lives last year compared to 55 in 2015.

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Police, firefighters and highways bosses have launched an initiative aimed at keeping the roads as safe as possible
Police, firefighters and highways bosses have launched an initiative aimed at keeping the roads as safe as possible

It means the total overall number of people killed or hurt in road incidents went from 707 in 2015 to 978 in 2016 - a 38% increase.

Research shows the way drivers behave behind the wheel is the main cause of 95% of incidents.

And three quarters of crashes where people are injured happen solely because of the decisions motorists make such as driving when over the alcohol or drug limit, speeding or while using a mobile phone.

The increase is also thought to be down to the way crashes are categorised by police, with slight injuries now being recorded as serious injuries.

Kent County Council's casualty reduction manager Steve Horton said: "One mistake or a moment when you are not paying attention can have long-lasting or tragic consequences.

"Too many people are involved in crashes on Kent’s roads. Whilst we believe the changes in recording injuries has affected the category of some injuries, we still know that overall there were 5% more injury crashes last year and one crash is too many.

Police have closed the road
Police have closed the road

"We can all help reduce that number by being more patient, being more alert to other road users and sharing our roads safely."

There was also a year-on-year increase in the number of motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and passengers killed or seriously injured on Kent's roads, as well as those under 16 and over 65.

The council met with Kent Police, Highways England, Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent Fire and Rescue Service on Monday to discuss what can be done to bring down the number of crash injuries and fatalities.

Listen: Steve Horton on the number of people killed or seriously injured growing

They decided to tackle the problem through education and enforcement, by running campaigns throughout the year focused on speed, seatbelt use, drink and drug impairment and drivers who use mobile phones.

Kent County Council's cabinet member for transport Matthew Balfour said: "We are working hard to keep road users as safe as possible but there’s only so much we can do.

"Research clearly shows that the vast majority of crashes are caused by poor driving or other human factors.

Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for environment and transport
Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for environment and transport

"It is vital that we all recognise the way we drive, ride or walk plays a big part in avoiding becoming a casualty on our roads."

Meanwhile the director of operations at Kent Fire and Rescue Service believes the need for the organisations to work together is important.

Sean Bone-Knell said: "The rise in the number of people injured in crashes highlights how essential it is for us to continue our efforts to reach those most at risk of being hurt on our roads.

"KFRS is determined to meet this challenge by working with our road safety partners and our communities to further develop our road safety initiatives, while encouraging schools and colleges to make a visit to our dedicated road safety centre, The Road Safety Experience, a priority for the young people in their care."

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