slowdown.co.uk · simple road safety

Slow down.
Save lives.

Slowdown is a simple message: speed doesn't just cause crashes — it makes them worse. Most serious collisions happen close to home, on familiar roads, at routine times.

Every journey matters. Every speed choice matters — especially close to home.

Road safety illustration

A familiar street. A simple choice.

Pledges made

People choosing to slow down — one street at a time.

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What people are pledging

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The facts about speed

UK road safety data shows why 20mph makes a difference.

97% survival rate

A pedestrian hit at 20mph has a 97% chance of survival; at 30mph this drops to 80%. (ROSPA)

42% fewer casualties

London's 20mph zones showed a 42% reduction in road casualties within the first year. (TfL, 2021)

Nearly double the distance

At 20mph, stopping distance is 12 metres; at 30mph it's 23 metres — nearly twice as far. (Highway Code)

24% of fatal collisions

Excessive or inappropriate speed contributed to 24% of all fatal road collisions in Great Britain in 2022. (DfT)

Just 2 minutes difference

Driving at 30mph instead of 20mph on a typical 2-mile urban journey saves approximately 2 minutes but triples the risk. (Brake)

20% are children

Children aged 0-15 account for approximately 20% of pedestrian casualties in residential areas. (DfT, 2022)

This is why it matters

Less time to react

More speed means fewer seconds to notice a child, a cyclist, or a sudden stop.

Longer stopping distance

That extra bit of speed takes more road to stop — especially in rain, dark, or distraction.

More severe injuries

Impact force rises fast. Small speed changes can mean life-changing outcomes.

Where slowing down saves lives

Not every road needs speed. Some roads need care.

Near schools

Kids are unpredictable. Give yourself time.

Residential streets

Doors open. People cross. Dogs bolt.

Crossings & junctions

Slow early, scan wider.

Rain / night

Visibility drops. Stopping distance grows.

Real stories from drivers

Read how slowing down to 20mph made a real difference in everyday situations.


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