5 common causes of UK road traffic accidents and how to avoid them.

Despite the fact that roads in the UK are some of the safest in the world, latest government statistics show that in 2014, there were 1,775 traffic-related fatalities and 22,807 serious injuries. Although this still sounds pretty grim, it’s worth remembering that there were 45 per cent fewer fatalities in 2014 than a decade earlier in 2005.

When exploring further on the recent years government statistics suggest, in 2012 the number of people died or seriously injured in the UK roads increased by 2%. In 2011 the number was 24,473 where as in 2012 it was 24,860.

It is evident that several people are involved in accident on the roads each year and these figures only apply to the ones who have been involved in serious accidents. Minor accidents can also cause injuries and the most common ones are whiplash.

So what are the most common causes of these accidents and how can you avoid them?

5. Drink Driving

An average of 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured in drink drive collisions each year. Despite massive advertising campaigns  related to drink driving accidents and terrifying public information films warning people of the dangers of drink driving, it still causes over ten per cent of all road deaths. Rather than staying within the drink driving legal limit, it’s far safer not to drink at all. Or of course, not to drive at all. If you must drink, get a cab, and stay alive.

We have previously discussed about this particular subject and to read more about Drink driving and accident rates among drivers click on the link Drink Driving and accident rates among drivers

4. Losing Control

Drivers lose control for various reasons. Often it’s due to driving too quickly. Other times it’s because of adverse weather conditions accidents can happen. In either situation it can be really very frightening. Avoid losing control by driving slowly and carefully, especially in difficult conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration and keep your car – and especially your tyres – in peak condition.There have been reports on accident claims arising due to the use of worn out tyres or the vehicles not kept in a very good condition.

3. Driver Fatigue

Unsurprisingly, most sleep-related accidents occur between 11pm and 8am. If you’re suffering any of the symptoms – constant yawning, drooping eyelids, drifting vehicle – stop as soon as you can. A good general rule is to have a break every couple of hours, share the driving where possible and never drive drowsy. Tiredness kills.

2. Carelessness

Drivers who are in a rush are most likely to cause car accidents – and who consequently drive more aggressively and therefore more dangerously – are often the most careless. How to avoid it? Stop hurrying. Stop tailgating. Slow down. Whatever you’re late for, staying alive and not killing anyone else is more important.

1. Failure to look properly

For whatever reason, failure to pay the proper attention – whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian – is the biggest cause of car accident claims and accident injury claims in the UK. And the solution is obvious. Stay alert at all times, and also: TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE PHONE!. An astonishing number of accident claims have been reported due to the use of mobile 

 

Of course, even the safest, most vigilant drivers in the world can still find themselves involved in an accident and having to make a vehicle accident claim and make sure you know all the tips to protect your legal claim  , but if you don’t want to be one of the 194,477 people involved in a road accident every year, then cut down your chances: be sensible, be vigilant, be safe.

In case if you are the unfortunate one who had been involved in a car accident in Birmingham or anywhere in the UK or  a victim of one of the cause above please give One Call Accident Management a call on 0800 999 4042 and we would love to help!.