In 2009, more than 35,000 people died on the roads of the EU, of whom 2,337 were killed in the UK. For every death, there are an estimated four permanently disabling injuries, 10 serious injuries and 40 minor injuries.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “Moving forward together on road safety is good for the EU. States have much they can learn from each other. Given its position as a road safety leader, the UK can share a lot from its experience, but we must remember that there are important lessons for us too.

“Although a great deal of progress has been made since 2001, it would be wrong to see road safety as a ‘job well done’. More than 35,000 people died in road accidents across Europe last year, and stark figures like these must spur us on to greater achievement in the future.

“Today’s publication contains some good ideas, including the strengthening of cross-border procedures for dealing with driving offences. Measures related to technological developments are also welcome. These include making electric stability control and seatbelt reminders mandatory and forthcoming proposals for new technical specifications for ‘smart technology’, which facilitates the sharing of data such as real-time information on speed limits, traffic flows and congestion.”

For all the latest advice and information on fleet management, have a read of our fleet management section.