What are the common causes of road collisions?
What are the common causes of road collisions?
Our road traffic collision experts discuss common causes of road collisions and advice on how to avoid them.
Road collisions remain a leading contributing factor to personal injury. In a recent survey we conducted, we found nearly a fifth of those surveyed had been involved in a car collision in the last 12 months. Being involved in a road collision, as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, can be incredibly traumatic. Taking steps to avoid road collisions is becoming increasingly important as there are now more fully licensed drivers in the UK than ever before.
Speeding
Despite many efforts from the government, such as the ‘Is it worth it?’ campaign, speeding is still seen as an acceptable risk for many. Collisions due to speeding can be avoided most of the time and yet our research revealed that nearly 60% (58.91%) of those surveyed believed it was the primary cause of road collisions.
Adhering to speed limits not only helps prevent collisions but can also help keep you safe from potentially becoming involved in a collision. Speed limits also allow for distance gaps between vehicles, the bigger the gap the more time and space you have to react.
Distractions in the car
While speeding may be considered an obvious cause of car collisions, there are many distractions within the car that can also be a cause of a collision. Our research found that 57.58% believe using your phone whilst driving is a primary cause of a road collision.
There are many reasons why you may feel the need to use your phone will driving. Many use their phone for directions or for music while they drive. However, it illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.
Any of the main reasons that you would need to use your phone while driving (music, directions, calls etc.) do not primarily need to be constantly held to be useful. Directions ran through a satnav or a maps app on your phone will continue to update without you holding it and music will continue to play when a phone is not open. In the event of an ‘emergency’ where you need to use your phone, you must have safely parked the vehicle first.
Driving while intoxicated
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of fatal road collisions. Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service include this in their ‘Fatal Five’. Our research found that more than half of those surveyed (51.15%) believed that a driver being under the influence of alcohol was a primary cause of car crashes.
The penalties for driving while intoxicated can include:
- A driving ban
- A criminal record
- A potential conviction on your licence (that will be visible to employers if your job required driving
- Up to 14 years in prison if you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated.
We are here to help
Road collisions can happen anytime and anywhere. If you are involved in a road traffic collision, whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, it can be a life changing event. Our legal experts are here to help you get the rehabilitation, compensation and to support your needs following a road traffic collision. Contact us today.
