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

  • IRF Geneva presents at international congress on road safety management and ITS in Abu Dhabi
    January 5, 2016
    Dr Rahman spoke about the potential role of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), as a technology enabler, for improving road safety and thereby achieving the goals of the Decade of Action Dr Rahman discussed the role of ITS in improving the management and planning of road networks, in data collection, for developing evidence based interventions, speed management and better trauma care through timely care to accident victims during the golden hour. Governments, said Dr Rahman, can play an importan
    Read More
  • Sweco listed on Scotland’s Safety Multi-Supplier Framework
    November 1, 2019
    Engineering consultancy Sweco has won a place on the Scottish government’s Development Management and Road Safety Service Multi-Supplier Framework.
    Read More
  • Safer French roads or incorrect estimation?
    February 12, 2014
    Official figures for French road safety reveal a small drop in fatalities for January 2014 compared with January 2013. However these results have been queried over possible inaccuracies and inconsistencies. According to the official body Sécurité Routière, 238 people were killed in traffic accidents in January 2014, down 0.5% compared to January 2013. However, the number of crashes rose 7.5% during the period, leading to an increase in injuries of 10.6% to 5,694 in January 2014. The increased crash figures
    Read More
  • Saudi Arabia has to tackle road safety to reduce current accident levels
    November 15, 2012
    Saudi Arabia is suffering from poor road safety, despite continuing investment in infrastructure. The country’s road crash rate is very high, accounting for up to 19 deaths/day on average. The data shows that Saudi Arabia’s road network one of the most dangerous in the world. The Government of Saudi Arabia has introduced various policies to address the problem and enforcement has become much tougher. Although congestion is being addressed with the construction of new links and the implementation of ITS tech
    Read More

Highlighted Content