The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposals to set up a Road Collision Investigation Branch (RCIB), aiming to operate like the independent bodies that already exist for air, maritime and rail accidents.
An RCIB would carry out thematic investigations and probe specific incidents of concern to establish the causes of collisions and make independent safety recommendations to help further improve road safety across the country.
The first section of the consultation document explains the current state of play regarding accident investigation in Great Britain in respect of other transport modes. While there is much useful data on road collisions, there is no single investigatory body to appraise this in relation to the causation of collisions and to recommend alleviatory measures accordingly.
The second section outlines a broad business case for an RCIB, outlining what statutory basis it would have; the nature of its interactions with other organisations and individuals; and what benefits could be gained from such a body.
The third section looks at the proposed remit of an RCIB and the legal provisions that would be necessary to ensure the effective operation of its investigatory and analytical functions.
The consultation period ends on 9 December 2021.
To read the DfT’s consultation in full, click here.
