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

  • Wildlife road danger study
    October 12, 2016
    Progress is being made on a study being carried out in North America of the risk to road users from wildlife. The study is being carried out by Leonard Sielecki at the University of Victoria and covers Canada and the US. This investigates the risk to road users posed by animals entering the roadway and considers the benefits of technologies to warn drivers of such risks. According to Sielecki, over 500 people have so far responded, considerably in excess of the number expected. Of these respondents, around
    Read More
  • Wildlife risk to drivers survey being conducted
    June 29, 2016
    A researcher based in Canada is carrying out a research project in the form of a survey assessing the safety risk posed by wildlife to drivers. The risk posed by wildlife to those travelling in vehicles can be severe in some areas and evaluating data can be important for assessing risk levels and awareness of risk levels amongst road users. There is the potential for serious injury or even death in the event of crashes with large animals or at high speeds. Meanwhile a driver avoiding an animal in the roadwa
    Read More
  • Europe’s new safety rules to cut crashes
    May 26, 2017
    A new plan will help boost road safety in Europe, with the rules governing cars and trucks being revised. The move comes following pressure from campaigning groups pushing vehicle manufacturers to equip their products with new safety systems. This move is intended to boost overall vehicle safety and cut casualties and road deaths across the EU. The draft policy document for the move has outlined a series of initiatives to be adopted this year. This will includes changes to the current vehicle safety regulat
    Read More
  • French road deaths down 11% in 2013, compared to previous year
    January 22, 2014
    The number of road deaths in France last year fell by 11% to 3,250, 403 fewer than in 2012. Revealing the figures, Minister of the Interior Manuel Valls said they were the lowest number since the first national road death statistics were recorded in 1948. Deaths of 18-24 year olds on French roads during 2013 were down 10% year-on-year, with road deaths of car occupants down 14%. Deaths of cyclists on French roads were down 8%, pedestrian road deaths fell by 7% and 3% fewer motorcyclists were killed on the
    Read More

Highlighted Content