Despite the fact that there are more cars, buses and bicycles on our roads every year, Britain's roads are still among the safest in Europe. This can be confirmed by the latest data from theeuropean road safety councilThis shows that deaths per million people in the UK in 2020 are among the lowest in Europe, with only Norway and Sweden recording lower deaths.
With significantly improved vehicle safety features, stricter speed control regulations and increased public awareness, road traffic accidents are on the decline in the UK.
In fact, government figures for 2019 report that "victims of all degrees" were 5% lower than in 2018, the lowest level since 1979 when this statistical series began with updated definitions and details.
But unfortunately, British roads are not without their dangers.
Accidents happen every day, although in most cases drivers have the power to prevent them.
Here we discuss the five most common causes of road accidents in the UK and how to avoid them:
5. Drunk driving
Drunk driving is one of the most publicized causes of car accidents.
There is a regular stream of expensive advertising.The bellLet us know about the dangers of drinking and driving, especially during the holidays.
Drunk driving deaths fell 40% in the decade between 2008 and 2018, but statistics show they still account for more than 13% of annual traffic deaths.
Driving or attempting to drive over the legal limit can result in a driving ban of at least one year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years), an unlimited fine, six months in prison, and a criminal record. If he dies as a result of drunk driving, he faces up to 14 years in prison.
Although there is a legal limit to drinking alcohol while driving (35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath), its effects on the body differ from person to person.
Factors like height, weight, and gender can affect the effects, which means even small amounts of alcohol can be too much for some people.
The safest thing is easy, do not risk it. Always.
You have a lot to lose.
4. Loss of control
Losing control of a car can be a terrifying experience.
Most accidents are caused by speeding. Not to be confused with speeding (although this is sometimes a factor), it involves performing maneuvers without slowing down to a safe speed, such as driving.Die Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents(RoSPA) reported that in the UK (2018) 186 people were killed in crashes where someone exceeded the speed limit and a further 1505 people were seriously injured.
Dangerous weather conditions like ice, sleet, and snow are also a common cause. Or driving at high speeds in heavy rain can cause a car to "aquaplan", where the wheels lose traction on the water on the road surface, causing the car to skid.
The best way to recover from this is to stop braking and start drifting. This means you should turn the steering wheel toward the rear of the vehicle, but don't overdo it, as the skid can move in the other direction.
However, the most effective way to avoid taking control of your vehicle is to avoid getting caught in such a situation in the first place. It is something that anyone can prevent even before it happens.
If you keep your car and tires in good condition, drive slowly and carefully in difficult conditions, and avoid sudden acceleration, braking and cornering, you are more likely to maintain control of your vehicle.
3. Negligence, recklessness or haste
Sometimes people are in a hurry when they are driving a car.
It's an understandable situation and something most people can relate to.
But unfortunately, it can make driving much more dangerous for some people. Some drive much faster than they should, others drive more aggressively. Unauthorized use is one example and is the cause of many accidents.
It is a sad fact that even today, many people still use their cell phones while driving. The penalties, which include six points on your driving license and a £200 fine, are now in place to try to reduce the number of drivers using their mobile phones. Stricter laws are expected to be announced in 2021.
Meanwhile, young and inexperienced drivers are often labeled careless and reckless, but it's all too easy to blame only a select group of road users, as drivers can develop bad habits long after they've passed their driving test. .
It pays to slow down and be more careful, and if everyone did that, accidents would be much less common.
2. Inability to judge the path and/or speed of another person
Examples include misjudging a space when exiting an intersection or attempting to cross a busy roundabout. Another is to mistakenly assume that another vehicle will perform the expected maneuver.
It's human nature to take risks, but it's also dangerous to speculate about what will happen next.
Anticipation is a great skill behind the wheel of a car, but it has to be an informed and calculated reaction to the circumstances that unfold on the road.
On the other hand, it is remiss to simply make assumptions about what will happen next and the possible cause of very dangerous situations, such as tight driving margins.
Maneuvers performed by other drivers are completely out of your control; What you would do in their situation may not necessarily be what you can do, so never assume it.
for such occasionstraffic regulationsgives simple advice:
This is "waiting until there is a safe distance between you and oncoming vehicles."
1. Errors when looking correctly
Over a third of all road traffic accidents in the UK are due to looking in the wrong direction.
It is the leading cause of all road traffic accidents in the UK, but it has to be the easiest to prevent.
However, there are many reasons why this could happen.
I'm sure you're familiar with the expression "fatigue kills" if you've ever driven on a UK motorway. Fatigue can have a dramatic effect on driver perception and reactions. Collisions caused by driver fatigue are approximately 50% more likely to result in death or serious injury as they are typically high-speed impacts, as a sleeping driver cannot brake or swerve to avoid or sustain the reduction of the impact.
Alternatively, failure to look correctly before performing a maneuver can be caused by other forms of distraction while driving; B. by a passenger, mobile device, or radio.
Some accidents are caused simply by driver complacency, familiarity with the road, or even laziness.
Driving requires maximum concentration.
A good look is key, because it only takes fractions of a second to cause an accident, but mistakes happen (and will continue to happen).
The simplest solution is to be alert and vigilant.
If you feel tired, always take a break. If you get distracted, don't drive until you regain your concentration.
In general, you should do everything in your power to keep yourself safe.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, at Serious Injury Law Ltd we have over three decades of personal injury experience.
Contact Usconfidential about your situation and we will tell you how we can help you.