Tag: casualties

146 per cent rise in firework casualties sparks emphasis on safety

  • Latest data sees notable increase in victims between 2022 and 2023, with jump from 13 to 32 casualties
  • Highest rise in firework-related injuries since 2010
  • Attending an organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks – RoSPA

There has been a 146 per cent rise from 13 casualties in 2022 to 32 casualties from firework-related incidents in 2023, according to Home Office data.

Last year, figures were at the highest they’ve been since 2010 when fireworks injured 45 people.

As a result, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging everyone to do one essential thing this year to ensure a safe celebration: attend an organised display.

Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor, said: “The number one thing you can do to reduce the risk of injury from fireworks is to attend events managed by professionals and held in controlled environments.

“Each year, injuries occur due to improper handling and unsafe use of fireworks in home gardens. Organised events offer the thrill of fireworks while minimising the risks to you, your family, and your neighbours.”

But if you’re having Fireworks at home: follow the Firework Code

By following the Firework Code, you can protect yourself, your family, and others while still enjoying the magic of Bonfire Night. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries related to fireworks, with some incidents leading to life-altering injuries or even fatalities. Many of these accidents are preventable with the right precautions.

The Firework Code: Your Safety Checklist

  • Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: · Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: Only purchase fireworks that have a UKCA or CE Mark
  • Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions on each firework, and ensure you know how to use them before lighting.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box: Store them safely and only take them out one at a time.
  • Light fireworks at arm’s length: Use a taper or long lighter, and never go back to a firework once it’s lit.
  • Stand well back: Always maintain a safe distance once fireworks are lit.
  • Supervise children: Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket: This can lead to accidental ignition and severe injury.
  • Dispose of used fireworks properly: Douse fireworks with water after they’ve gone off and dispose of them safely.
  • Keep pets indoors: Fireworks can cause distress to animals, so make sure pets are kept inside during displays.

Additional Firework Safety Tips

In addition to following the Firework Code, RoSPA offers these further recommendations for a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night:

  • Be mindful of bonfires: Keep a safe distance and never throw fireworks, aerosols, or anything else into the bonfire.
  • Wear protective clothing: When handling fireworks, ensure you’re wearing suitable clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, particularly when using sparklers.

To celebrate Autumn’s festivities safely, you can learn more about RoSPA’s guidance, as well as the firework code here.

RoSPA alarmed by rise in cyclist and child road deaths

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is deeply concerned that latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an increase in the number of fatal collisions involving cyclists and children, despite an overall reduction in the number of road deaths following a year of lockdowns.

The DfT published the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2020 which shows that last year 1,460 people were killed on our roads, which is a fall of 17 per cent compared with the figure in 2019.

In 2020, there were a total of 115,584 reported road casualties of all severities, which was a fall of 25 per cent from the previous year. For much of 2020, there was a COVID lockdown and the RAC estimated that miles travelled in Great Britain were 21 per cent down on the previous year.

Alarmingly, data from the DfT shows that in 2020, 141 cyclists were killed in road accidents. This was up 41 per cent from 100 deaths in the previous year. The number of children killed on Britain’s roads also increased, from 49 in 2019 to 52 in 2020.

David Walker, Head of Road and Leisure Safety at RoSPA said: “By any measure 2020 was an abnormal year. It is of no surprise that the overall number of road casualties fell. This is in no small part due to less traffic on the roads.

“With traffic levels returning to pre-pandemic levels and some understandable reluctance towards using public transport, we must today continue to focus on the harm to motorists and more significantly, from motorists.

“We welcome the fact that more people have been getting out on their bikes and recognise the reduction in the rate of deaths per mile travelled. However, this should not distract from the shocking fact that more cyclists and more children died on our roads than in the previous year.

“At RoSPA we believe that having more cyclists and pedestrians should not result in an increased number of serious and fatal accidents involving vulnerable road users.

“We must continue to act decisively if we want to maintain the position of British roads being among the safest in the world.”

With travel restrictions in place throughout 2020, there was a huge increase in the number of people electing to use active travel such as walking and cycling.

According to the DfT‘s Road Traffic Estimates in Great Britain 2020, pedal cycle traffic was up by 45.7 per cent from the previous year.