MR Brown accuses motorists of being responsible for killing and maiming thousands of men, women and children each year (Letters, May 18). The facts are somewhat different.
A road research laboratory report showed speeding was the primary cause in only six per cent of road accidents.
Of 3,421 fatal accidents 529 were attributable to driver fault or error.
I admit that even this figure is too high, but at least it is accurate.
Even more interesting is the fact that in 1949, of the top ten causes of child death, motor vehicle accidents came eighth at 1,014, but by 1995 this had now become the top cause of child deaths.
However, in number terms it had fallen to about half at 533.
If we again take the top ten causes of child death in 1949 it amounted to 26,093 but by 1955 it had fallen to 2,513. The only cause of death not to show a dramatic fall was cancer which had only fallen from 660 to 491.
Finally, please do not accuse us of not seeing cyclists, we even manage to spot them at night when they have either no, or illegal, lights.
M Usherwood,
Mendip Close,
Huntington, York.
Updated: 10:13 Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article