More than 700 collisions, in which at least one person was killed or seriously injured, took place across Avon and Somerset last year – an average of two per day.
The police say they included 44 fatalities.
Newly-analysed data shows that the leading contributory factors in these collisions closely align with the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours known to cause the most serious harm on our roads:
- Excessive speed.
- Distraction.
- Alcohol/drugs.
- Careless/dangerous driving.
- Failure to wear a seatbelt.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles said: “More than 700 fatal or serious injury collisions took place on our roads last year.
“That is not just a statistic. It represents families and communities shattered and people whose lives have been permanently changed.
“In so many cases, split-second lapses in concentration or risky decisions have combined with devastating consequences.
“The vast majority of serious collisions we attend involve behaviours that are entirely preventable.
“When people choose to speed, drive carelessly or recklessly, use their phone at the wheel or get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, they are taking a risk not just with their own life, but with the lives of others.”
To read the full details and advice from Avon and Somerset Police, CLICK HERE.