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Oxfordshire’s fatal four factors that lead to car accidents
08/02/2024
“Cars don’t just crash – it’s drivers who cause collisions”
After eight people died on Oxfordshire’s roads in January, the county’s drivers are being encouraged to be aware of the fatal four factors that can cause accidents.
As part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘It’s Not Worth the Risk’ campaign the four areas highlighted are speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, being distracted and driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
Andy Ford, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s Road Safety Manager, said: “We are a rural county with lots of country roads, as well as fast arterial highways running through. Weather, time of day and visibility are all hazards that drivers need to take into account.
“Cars don’t just crash, unfortunately, it’s drivers who cause collisions. When behind the wheel, you must be alert, drive sensibly, safely and share the risk, from the moment you turn the ignition key.
“The fatal four are the main cause of death for drivers, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians. But, in most cases, these deadly collisions are avoidable.”
The campaign highlights that drivers and passengers are twice as likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing a seatbelt.
To avoid the distraction of a mobile phone the campaign promotes safe alternatives including diverting calls to the messenger service, having a no calls rule when driving, and pulling over when safe to do so – although not on the motorway hard-shoulder. Passengers could also be asked to make or take calls instead of the driver.
Research shows that for every mile per hour increase in speed, there is a three per cent increase in the risk of a road traffic collision.
Not drinking alcohol is the only safe option when driving. Safe alternatives include taking a taxi, bus or train, designating a ‘dry’ driver, walking home or deciding to stay overnight.
Andy Ford continues: “If you cause a collision, it can result in life-changing injuries to you and to anyone else involved. All for the sake of a lunchtime drink, taking a phone call or trying to save time. It really isn’t worth the risk.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam