Incorrect Government Stats Hide Real Accident Figures

Wednesday, 25. November 2009

We tend to be pretty reactionary when it comes to the way we act in our day to day lives. We hear that there has been an increase in paedophile activity in public parks so we keep a closer eye on our children when taking them out or even stop the kids from going out at all. Hear that Swine Flu will become a pandemic and we rush out to get vaccinated – and rightly so. So when we hear that road injuries sustained by motorists, driving on company business, are running at around 230,000 per annum, whilst this is a staggering figure we are told it is fairly stable and reducing so not a great cause for concern. However, it has been reported by the Public Accounts Committee that they believe this figure to be around 800,000 for 2008. So rather than be concerned it would seem we should be alarmed if we drive on company business or employ staff that drive on company business. The difference has come about as a result of the way accidents are recorded. The Public Accounts Committee has called for an immediate change and recommended that all crashes and injuries be recorded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in order to focus company directors and owners on the problem which clearly is in need of attention. As a minimum staff should be made aware of the likelihood of having an accident whilst driving at work and highlight the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving, sticking to speed limits, stopping for food and drink breaks rather than doing it on the move and one of the most common problems remove everything off the seats and into the boot. Many accidents are caused and injuries sustained as drivers try to brake and prevent laptops, bags, samples and papers from dropping onto the floor of the car. When you are in an emergency situation you should be concentrating on preventing the accident. By Graham Hill