Road safety facts you should know

Do you know these road safety facts?

When you’re rushing from A to B, it can be easy to let bad habits creep in.

But safer driving benefits all of us - pedestrians, cyclists and car users alike. So we’ve compiled some important facts you should know before you get behind the wheel.

As of 2024, there are 41.7 million licensed vehicles on UK roads (a 1% increase from 2023) - including nearly 1.4 million zero-emission vehicles, which have jumped by an impressive 37% year-on-year.

That’s a lot of cars.

And it means our roads are busy – and only getting busier. Being as diligent as possible while you’re out and about goes a long way in helping to avoid road traffic incidents or disruptions.

So let’s dive into some fun, but serious, road safety facts.

What should your stopping distance be?

You're travelling at speed, there's a lot of traffic on the road – and people are pulling into any small gap they can find when changing lanes.

We've all been there.

Sometimes, it can feel like a bit of a free for all. And, after all, if you can get out into the fast lane, isn't it worth it?

The reality is that most drivers don't leave enough space between vehicles to account for emergency stops. And the consequences can be fatal.

Did you know that at 70mph, you'll travel a whopping 96 metres (315 feet) before coming to a complete stop? That's about 24 car lengths or the equivalent of 9 London buses lined up end-to-end. Even at 30mph, you need 23 metres – nearly 6 car lengths – to stop safely.

Your stopping distance isn't just about how quickly your brakes work. It's actually made up of two crucial parts:

• Thinking distance – how far you travel before your brain registers a hazard and your foot hits the brake (about 0.7 seconds)
• Braking distance – how far your car continues travelling while slowing down

When you're tired, distracted or even checking your phone, that thinking distance increases dramatically. Add wet or icy roads, and your braking distance can increase tenfold.

The Highway Code recommends the 2-second rule in dry conditions and 4 seconds when it's wet and slippy. Count "one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two" after the car in front passes a fixed point. If you reach that point before finishing, you're following too closely.

Remember: the space you leave isn't just about your driving skills – it's buying you time to react when something unexpected happens ahead.

Driving under the influence

Estimates for 2022 show around 300 people were killed in collisions where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit – the highest level since 2009. This represents 18% of all road deaths, with the figure rising by 16% from 2021.

If caught driving over the legal limit, you could face:

• Up to 6 months in prison
• An unlimited fine
• A driving ban for at least 1 year

Even being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit can result in a 3-month prison sentence, £2,500 fine, and possible driving ban.

People are pushing for a graduated driving license scheme that would have harsher punishments for young and new drivers.

Beyond legal penalties, a conviction means higher insurance costs, employer visibility on your licence, and potential travel restrictions to countries like the USA.

The risk is never worth taking – not just for the consequences to you, but for the devastating human cost to others.

Use of mobile phones and other devices?

There are a few situations you can use your phone in the car though. These are:

• Making contactless payments at drive-thrus
• Calling 999 in an emergency when unsafe to stop
• Using properly mounted hands-free devices that don't block your view

According to Reported Road Casualties Great Britain data (2022), 22 people were killed and 674 were injured in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was considered a contributory factor.

This doesn't include the 4,188 injuries recorded where "distraction in vehicle" was noted, which could potentially involve mobile devices.

Recent data shows a real cause for concern:

• 15,300 drivers were prosecuted for using a handheld phone while driving in 2023
• 12% of all drivers admit to using their phone "all the time," "most of the time," or "sometimes"
• Among under-25s, almost half (49%) admit to using a handheld phone for calls while driving

Remember: using any handheld device (phones, sat navs, tablets) is illegal while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or supervising a learner driver.

How do speeding fines work?

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Build up 12+ points within three years and you'll face disqualification from driving.

If caught speeding by camera, you'll receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days. You must respond within 28 days stating who was driving.

Penalties escalate based on how far above the limit you were driving:

• Speed awareness course: May be offered as an alternative if you haven't attended one in the last three years
• Fixed Penalty Notice: £100 fine and three points
• Court penalties: Fines up to £1,000 (£2,500 on motorways) based on your weekly income

Is anything different for a new driver?

If you've passed your test within the last two years, your licence will be revoked if you build up six-or-more penalty points. You'll then need to:

• Apply and pay for a new provisional licence
• Pass both the theory and practical driving tests again

These rules apply to all new drivers who passed their first test in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar, or any EU/EEA country.

Any existing points on your provisional licence will carry over when you pass your test.

Facts about road traffic incidents

Biggest causes of road traffic incidents

The most common factor in road collisions is driver error. According to Government data:

• 38% of collisions occur when drivers fail to look properly
• 20% happen when drivers misjudge another vehicle's path or speed

And speed remains a critical danger factor:

• 56% of all fatal collisions had at least one speed-related factor
• 21% involved drivers exceeding the speed limit
• 29% involved drivers going too fast for conditions
• 28% involved aggressive, dangerous or reckless driving

Who is most at risk

Speed-related fatal collisions show clear patterns:

• Most occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• Peak times are during evenings and overnight
• 86% of drivers involved are male
• 25-34 year olds account for the highest proportion, followed closely by 17-24 year olds
• Cars (65%) and motorcycles (24%) are the most common vehicles involved

Different roads, different risks

Rural roads are particularly dangerous:

• 62% of speed-related fatal collisions occur on rural roads
• 33% happen on urban roads
• 5% take place on motorways

Remember that speed limits are maximums, not targets. Always adjust your speed to suit the road, weather, and traffic conditions.

Choose your colour wisely

Vehicle colour can affect visibility in different conditions, though its impact on overall safety is modest compared to driving behavior and vehicle safety features.

Lighter coloured vehicles (white, yellow) may be more visible in low-light conditions, while darker vehicles are inherently harder to spot at night or in poor weather.

However, using headlights appropriately and maintaining proper following distances are far more important safety practices regardless of vehicle colour.

Modern safety features like automatic lights, high-visibility paint options, and reflective elements have also reduced the significance of base colour in vehicle visibility.

(Just in case you were wondering, Cornwall contains the highest concentration of yellow cars registered in the UK. Must be all that sunshine!)

Seasonal dangers

The data shows a higher percentage of speed-related fatal collisions during summer months, especially July. However, winter brings its own challenges with reduced visibility and difficult weather conditions.

Take extra care during these high-risk periods, allow more time for journeys, and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained for all driving conditions.

Stay safe, stay aware

Driving safely isn't just about following rules – it's about protecting lives. With 41.7 million vehicles on UK roads and rising, your choices behind the wheel matter more than ever.

Remember these critical facts:

• At 70mph, you need 96 meters (24 car lengths) to stop completely
• 56% of fatal collisions involve speed-related factors
• 18% of all road deaths are linked to drink-driving
• Using a phone while driving led to 22 deaths in a single year

The most dangerous combination? Speed, distraction, and overconfidence. Rural roads might seem quiet but account for 62% of speed-related fatal collisions.

Whether you're a new driver or have years of experience, the fundamentals remain the same: maintain safe distances, adjust your speed to conditions (not limits), never drive impaired, and keep your attention fully on the road.

After all, the few seconds you might save are never worth the risk you take – both to yourself and to others sharing the road with you.