North-east records lowest annual road death toll
Figures released yesterdayshowed there were 21 fatal collisions last year, resulting in the deaths of 22 motorists, passengers and pedestrians – a 36 per cent reduction on the death toll in 2010.
A force spokesman said: “The five-year annual average for 2002-6 was 46 fatal crashes, resulting in 52 fatalities. Of those fatalities, 17 were young people aged 17-25; however, the five-year annual average for 2007-11 was 29 fatal crashes, resulting in 32 fatalities. Of those fatalities, ten were young people aged 17-25.
“This is a very welcome reduction. However, it is still somewhat bittersweet, given that over 20 people lost their lives on local roads last year.”