Single vehicle crash risk too high in Europe

Research shows that single vehicle crashes (SVCs) are a serious problem for road users in Europe. According to crash analysis, around 7300 road users in the EU were killed during 2015 in SVCs. The data also shows that around 94,800 people were killed in SVCs in the EU over the last 10 years.
July 13, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

Research shows that single vehicle crashes (SVCs) are a serious problem for road users in Europe. According to crash analysis, around 7300 road users in the 3287 EU were killed during 2015 in SVCs. The data also shows that around 94,800 people were killed in SVCs in the EU over the last 10 years.

The crash data analysis reveals that the number of people being killed in SVCs in the EU nations was reduced by 43% in the 2005-2014 time period. This was a greater decrease than the total road death reduction for Europe of 41% in the same time period but less than that of fatality reductions from multi-vehicle crashes of 44%.

The greatest risk from SVCs is on rural roads where over 60% of fatalities occur. Improvements in road design have helped in the drop in fatalities on rural links. The data shows that car occupants account for 68% of SVC fatalities in Europe, with powered two wheeler riders accounting for around 20% of SVC deaths. Trucks account for 7% of SVC road deaths while buses account for less than 1%.

As with all crashes, young drivers and riders are at the greatest risk from SVC crashes. Drivers and riders aged 18-24 are at twice the risk of being involved in a fatal SVC than those aged 25-49. The biggest risk of an SVC is when a vehicle leaves the road either on a straight section or at a curve.

Research carried out in the Netherlands in 2011 reveals that driver distraction was a factor in 31% of SVCs analysed, with speeding being a factor in 27% of such incidents, alcohol use at 19% and driver tiredness at 17%.

Key measures to improve safety include removing obstacles from the roadside, installing guard rail and carrying out comprehensive crash investigations to collate key fata.

Proper enforcement of speed limits, seat belts, helmets, and rules governing drink driving and driver distraction would also help reduce the death and injury toll from SVCs. Other measures could include introducing graduated licensing, autonomous emergency braking and alcohol interlocks.

Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

EU

Related Content

  • Deer pose risk to Ohio drivers
    October 5, 2015
    The authorities in the US state of Ohio have highlighted the increased risk of crashes involving deer. This is due to a combination of factors including fewer daylight hours and the increased movement of deer due to mating season, along with the hunting season. The road identified as having the greatest risk in the state is State Route 64 in Lucas County between Reed Road and US Route 20 Airport Highway. This road suffered 19 crashes in 2014.
    Read More
  • NHTSA moving to tackle drink driving in US
    March 24, 2015
    A move by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US could help reduce the risks of drink driving in the country. The NHTSA is working with a group of major automakers (the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety) and this has resulted in the establishment of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). The aim is to develop devices that can detect and prevent drunk driving by the use of infrared breath analysis or biometric readings using fingerprints. The technology is
    Read More
  • Road safety improvements for Brazil
    August 23, 2021
    Road safety improvements are planned for Brazil.
    Read More
  • Japan’s road safety continues to improve
    January 7, 2015
    The latest official data from Japan’s National Police Agency reveals a continued drop in traffic fatalities for 2014. The fatality rate fell to 4,113 in 2014, a drop of 260 from the previous year. This improvement in road safety has been helped by a successful campaign to increase awareness over the use of seatbelts and also on the inherent risks of drink-driving, according to the authorities. Of the fatalities, 227 cases were as a result of drink-driving. A total of 2,193 people aged above 65 years old die
    Read More

Highlighted Content