Car crashes can be caused by carelessness, dangerous driving and bad habits. Yet many incidents can be avoided if you remain patient and aware of what's around you, as well as observing The Highway Code.
We've highlighted below the most common causes of road accidents, including reckless driving, using your phone and being drowsy at the wheel. You can also find out more about what to do after a car accident here.
1. Speeding is a bad idea
Unfortunately, lots of drivers do ignore speed limit signs when rushing to their destination – putting themselves and others in danger. And the faster you drive, the shorter reaction time you have to prevent an accident.
Driving too fast, either for the road or the driving conditions, is still one of the the most common contributory factors in collisions. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) states that exceeding the speed limit killed 303 people in the UK in 2022. Wherever you're heading, it's always safer to stay within the speed limits.
2. Don't get distracted by your phone or food
Holding and using a phone while driving could result in a £200 fine and 6 points added to your licence. And for good reason – text driving is twice as likely to cause a crash as drink driving, due to a driver's reaction times.
Driving while using a phone impairs your driving in many ways:
- Distraction Driving and using your phone means doing two 'thinking' tasks, which our brains are not designed to do well.
- Physical Using a phone means having only one hand to control the car.
- Visual Even a quick glance at your phone takes your eyes off the road for a second or two – which could be the difference between a safe stop and an accident.
Put your phone on silent or 'driving mode' when on the road. If it still distracts you, store it in the glove box. If you need to use it, stop somewhere safe to do so.
Although no specific law makes it illegal to eat and drive, doing so could present a significant danger. You can still be prosecuted for careless driving if not in proper control of the car.
3. Reckless driving causes wrecks
Careful driving isn't just about managing your speed but also about being considerate to other road users. Changing lanes erratically on a motorway or dual carriageway can cause other drivers to brake suddenly, possibly resulting in a crash with a vehicle behind them.
Driving too closely to the vehicle in front, also known as tailgating, is again very dangerous. If it suddenly brakes, there'll be little time for you to react and this could result in a serious crash.
The police can issue fixed penalty notices for tailgating, while careless driving offences could see you compelled to attend a driving course. But if a case goes to court the maximum penalty is an unlimited fine, 3 to 9 points on your licence, and a discretionary disqualification.
So always follow the two-second rule – keep a minimum of two seconds behind the vehicle in front in order to have a thinking and stopping distance.
4. Look out for all road users
It's vital that you're always aware of the risks around you. Look ahead for other vehicles and road users – cars, motorbikes or bicycles – and use your car mirrors too. A 2022 Department for Transport report showed that 22.3% of reported road casualties involved a driver or rider failing to look properly.
Even getting out of the car can be dangerous, so check behind for an approaching vehicle or cyclist before opening your car door.
The Dutch Reach is a safer way to exit a vehicle on the road side. Just use your hand furthest away from the door to open it – as you swivel look for any oncoming bicycles or traffic as well using the side mirror.
5. Drowsy driving is dangerous
If you can't stay awake then don't stay behind the wheel. Some 10–20% of accidents are caused by fatigue.
Driving when tired doesn't necessarily mean driving at night. You may just be exhausted, have driven for too long, or you might driving at a time when you might normally be asleep, such as very early in the morning. There are a few precautions you can take to avoid being a tired driver.
6. Don't drive under the influence
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs dramatically reduce your ability to drive, and puts yourself and other road users in danger. So just remember, if you're driving don't drink, and if you're drinking don't drive.
Unfortunately, even with the best will in the world, accidents happen. An AA poll showed that half of AA members had experienced damage to their vehicle while left in a car park. The least you can do if you hit someone's car is leave a note with an apology and your contact details.
But if you are unlucky to have a scrape, having comprehensive car insurance helps when the worst happens.
Author: The AA. Published 11 April 2018. Updated 9 August 2024.