The DfT has launched a consultation on proposals to set up a Road Collision Investigation Branch (RCIB), which would operate much like similar independent bodies that already exist in the air, maritime and rail sectors.
Independent bodies are a long-standing feature of accident investigation in the UK. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been operating since 1915, while the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) were set up in 1989 and 2005 respectively.
A RCIB would establish the causes of collisions and make independent recommendations to further improve road safety.
Baroness Vere, roads minister said: “The UK’s roads are among the safest in the world, but we’re always looking at ways to make them even safer.
“A new investigation branch would play a huge role in this work by identifying the underlying causes of road traffic collisions, so we can take action to prevent them from happening again.
“It would also provide us with vital insight as we continue to modernise our road network to ensure better, greener and safer journeys.”
The consultation has been published on GOV.UK and will run until 9 December 2021.
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