Road risks from motor vehicles

Road safety risks are mainly from motor vehicles.
By MJ Woof March 30, 2021 Read time: 1 min
Vans and light commercial vehicles have the highest risk of involvement in crashes according to a new report – image © courtesy of Mike Woof
Fatalities and serious injuries that occur on roads are most likely to be caused by crashes involving motor vehicles. That is the conclusion of a new report from the European Transport Safety Commission (ETSC).

According to the report, the majority of deaths and serious injuries in road crashes are either to vehicle occupants or by people in an impact with a vehicle. In relation to distance travelled, crashes involving vans and light goods vehicles pose the highest percentage risk to other road users. The report also states that pedestrians and cyclists are those most at risk of death or serious injury in the event of a crash involving a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, motorcyclists face the highest rate of road fatalities in relation to distance travelled.

The report also highlights that in contrast, pedestrians and cyclists are rarely involved in collisions that result in the death of other road users.
Highway & Network Management

Related Content

  • Stronger crash barriers may be needed for heavier trucks
    November 26, 2012
    The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded. Meanwhile the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for roadside barriers to feature post protection so as to reduce the risk of injuries to motorcyclists. According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barr
    Read More
  • Road safety move for young drivers
    April 11, 2024
    A new road safety focus for young drivers will save lives
    Read More
  • Speed controls mooted for Europe’s commercial vehicles
    November 11, 2013
    Speed control technology has been proposed as a safety solution for commercial vehicles operating in Europe. A European Commission study has explored the use of in-vehicle speed management technologies for commercial vehicles. This has been supported by the European Transport Safety Commission (ETSC) Press Release: Boost for Intelligent Speed Assistance in EU Commercial Vehicles. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is the term given to a range of devices that assist drivers in choosing appropriate speeds and
    Read More
  • Addressing road safety issues worldwide
    February 27, 2012
    Actions are planned on road safety but are they enough? - *Charles Melhuish and *Alan Ross report. Deaths and injuries on the world's roads are now a major health concern. Road crashes now cause around 1.3 million deaths and injure or disable as many as 50 million persons globally each year. The vast majority of these deaths and injuries (over 90%) occur in low- and medium- income countries adding to their already overburdened health facilities as well as adversely affecting economic and social development
    Read More

Highlighted Content