AS reported in the Bolton Evening News on December 22, there were eight road deaths in Bolton in 2005 up to September, compared to 14 during 2004. However, this is only part of the picture, and may be due to the efforts of the emergency services, rather than road users.

Although 2005 is looking like a better year in terms of reduced fatalities, serious casualty numbers are on the rise. By September of this year, there had been 96 accidents classed as serious, compared to 97 for the whole of 2004, and with another three months still to go, the reality is that serious accidents are a big issue.

Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council, supported by the Bolton Evening News and other organisations, have created a Bolton Road Safety Partnership, with the aim of reducing the numbers of fatal and serious accidents and other casualties on our roads. Even though deaths have fallen, there are actually more serious and fatal road accidents occurring this year than in 2004.

The vast majority of accidents could be avoided by better driving standards and all road users showing care and consideration to others and, of course, at this time of year, the thing to remember is, if you are driving, "Think: Don't drink".

Cllr Roger Hayes

Smithills Ward