Speed
Urban
Speed is still one of the biggest contributory factors in fatal
road accidents. In 2008, a total of 4,685 people were killed or
seriously injured in crashes where a speed contributory factor was
reported; 586 of these were fatalities.
A recent survey showed that dropping litter was considered more
unacceptable (82% of people) than driving at 40mph on a 30mph road
(68%).
Rural
Driving on country roads can seem safer because of the lack of
traffic - but statistics show that drivers and passengers are more
likely to die on a rural road than a busy street.
In 2006, more than 60% of all deaths due to road accidents were
in rural areas. The people most at risk on rural roads are young
men, predominantly aged between 17 and 39.
Drive at the appropriate speed for the conditions. Only around
10% of drivers actually go over the speed limit on rural roads, but
deaths are three times that of road fatalities generally.
Remember that it is still possible to drive at an inappropriate
speed even if you are within the speed limit.
Be careful by day and by night. An equal number of accidents
happen in daylight and at night-time, although accidents at night
tend to be more serious. One of the hazards of driving at night is
that other drivers' headlights can temporarily blind you.
Be aware of single carriageway hazards. Most casualties on
country roads happen on A and minor roads.