Roadside Dangers in the UK

A car represents a practicality for most drivers whether it is used to travel from 'A' to 'B', as a means of commuting to work, or simply to get the children from place to place. Other people see their cars as a hobby, a requirement that brings with it certain benefits, or as a form of escapism. That said, drivers can be complacent at times and ignore the open road's subtle dangers.

It is vital that road users have an awareness of the different perils they can come across, especially given the increase in traffic on the roads (by 12% between 1997 and 2007) and the fact that 30% of traffic accidents take place less than a mile from where people live. Escalating car insurance premiums, injuries and even deaths can occur as a result of ignoring the hazards that can lead to accidents.

We have therefore listed, in no particular order, five of the dangers motorists should keep in mind on their travels.

Cyclists
The environmental benefit of cycling is clear to all of us, and it is possible for anyone to get on a bike and cycle just about anywhere. There aren't many cyclists who have taken the cycling proficiency exam, while the Highway Code might be adhered to by even fewer.

Many cyclists are invisible as a result of their lack of sufficient lighting and high visibility clothing, right up until the unsuspecting motorist appears right behind them. In the case of traffic jams, many cut in and out of stopped cars without considering how this obscures the view of the motorist.

Children and Teenagers
A hazard can be caused by children playing in residential streets. Children can put both themselves and road users in danger by appearing suddenly from places that are hidden from the view of oncoming vehicles, such as the gaps between parked cars. It is therefore important, as a motorist, to always keep to the speed limit and to remain extremely vigilant, particularly near schools and in residential areas.

Although young children are hazardous to motorists, accidents can also be caused by older children if they are not concentrating. The attention of the teenager on the road's dangers can be taken away by personal stereos and even conversing with someone else on a mobile phone. You should take extra caution when near individual teenagers and groups.

Speed Cameras
Although the aim of a speed camera is to cut the number of accidents on a road by slowing vehicles down, drivers on roads that are unfamiliar to them often reduce their speed suddenly when a camera comes into view. This can jeopardise drivers following immediately behind and makes it vital to always maintain your stopping distance at the recommended two second gap to account for any sudden braking.

Accidents and Road Works
Some motorists can be frustrated by road works, which can lead them to take risks and cause problems. You should therefore ensure that you take care when you drive through an area with road works so that any hazards can be avoided.

Passing traffic can also be distracted when accidents do happen. It is vital that a driver's concentration is squarely on the road ahead rather than on any roadside incidents.

Litter and Rubbish
Rubbish and litter that somebody has dumped at the side of the road can obstruct traffic if it spills onto the road itself. This makes it crucial for motorists to remain vigilant and to keep themselves aware of any hazards while behind the wheel.

Oil, broken glass or even plastic carrier bags and obscure a driver's view or lead to a blow-out or skid.
Whatever the dangers at the roadside, it is vital that caution is used by road users - whether drivers or pedestrians - when they are on the road, and that they keep an eye on their surroundings and the hidden perils that there may be at the roadside.

A car represents a practicality for most drivers whether it is used to travel from 'A' to 'B', as a means of commuting to work, or simply to get the children from place to place. Other people see their cars as a hobby, a requirement that brings with it certain benefits, or as a form of escapism. That said, drivers can be complacent at times and ignore the open road's subtle dangers.

It is vital that road users have an awareness of the different perils they can come across, especially given the increase in traffic on the roads (by 12% between 1997 and 2007) and the fact that 30% of traffic accidents take place less than a mile from where people live. Escalating car insurance premiums, injuries and even deaths can occur as a result of ignoring the hazards that can lead to accidents.

We have therefore listed, in no particular order, five of the dangers motorists should keep in mind on their travels.

Cyclists
The environmental benefit of cycling is clear to all of us, and it is possible for anyone to get on a bike and cycle just about anywhere. There aren't many cyclists who have taken the cycling proficiency exam, while the Highway Code might be adhered to by even fewer.

Many cyclists are invisible as a result of their lack of sufficient lighting and high visibility clothing, right up until the unsuspecting motorist appears right behind them. In the case of traffic jams, many cut in and out of stopped cars without considering how this obscures the view of the motorist.

Children and Teenagers
A hazard can be caused by children playing in residential streets. Children can put both themselves and road users in danger by appearing suddenly from places that are hidden from the view of oncoming vehicles, such as the gaps between parked cars. It is therefore important, as a motorist, to always keep to the speed limit and to remain extremely vigilant, particularly near schools and in residential areas.

Although young children are hazardous to motorists, accidents can also be caused by older children if they are not concentrating. The attention of the teenager on the road's dangers can be taken away by personal stereos and even conversing with someone else on a mobile phone. You should take extra caution when near individual teenagers and groups.

Speed Cameras
Although the aim of a speed camera is to cut the number of accidents on a road by slowing vehicles down, drivers on roads that are unfamiliar to them often reduce their speed suddenly when a camera comes into view. This can jeopardise drivers following immediately behind and makes it vital to always maintain your stopping distance at the recommended two second gap to account for any sudden braking.

Accidents and Road Works
Some motorists can be frustrated by road works, which can lead them to take risks and cause problems. You should therefore ensure that you take care when you drive through an area with road works so that any hazards can be avoided.

Passing traffic can also be distracted when accidents do happen. It is vital that a driver's concentration is squarely on the road ahead rather than on any roadside incidents.

Litter and Rubbish
Rubbish and litter that somebody has dumped at the side of the road can obstruct traffic if it spills onto the road itself. This makes it crucial for motorists to remain vigilant and to keep themselves aware of any hazards while behind the wheel.

Oil, broken glass or even plastic carrier bags and obscure a driver's view or lead to a blow-out or skid.
Whatever the dangers at the roadside, it is vital that caution is used by road users - whether drivers or pedestrians - when they are on the road, and that they keep an eye on their surroundings and the hidden perils that there may be at the roadside.

A car represents a practicality for most drivers whether it is used to travel from 'A' to 'B', as a means of commuting to work, or simply to get the children from place to place. Other people see their cars as a hobby, a requirement that brings with it certain benefits, or as a form of escapism. That said, drivers can be complacent at times and ignore the open road's subtle dangers.

It is vital that road users have an awareness of the different perils they can come across, especially given the increase in traffic on the roads (by 12% between 1997 and 2007) and the fact that 30% of traffic accidents take place less than a mile from where people live. Escalating car insurance premiums, injuries and even deaths can occur as a result of ignoring the hazards that can lead to accidents.

We have therefore listed, in no particular order, five of the dangers motorists should keep in mind on their travels.

Cyclists
The environmental benefit of cycling is clear to all of us, and it is possible for anyone to get on a bike and cycle just about anywhere. There aren't many cyclists who have taken the cycling proficiency exam, while the Highway Code might be adhered to by even fewer.

Many cyclists are invisible as a result of their lack of sufficient lighting and high visibility clothing, right up until the unsuspecting motorist appears right behind them. In the case of traffic jams, many cut in and out of stopped cars without considering how this obscures the view of the motorist.

Children and Teenagers
A hazard can be caused by children playing in residential streets. Children can put both themselves and road users in danger by appearing suddenly from places that are hidden from the view of oncoming vehicles, such as the gaps between parked cars. It is therefore important, as a motorist, to always keep to the speed limit and to remain extremely vigilant, particularly near schools and in residential areas.

Although young children are hazardous to motorists, accidents can also be caused by older children if they are not concentrating. The attention of the teenager on the road's dangers can be taken away by personal stereos and even conversing with someone else on a mobile phone. You should take extra caution when near individual teenagers and groups.

Speed Cameras
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