It’s the most dangerous thing you do

Speed kills. Yes, you have heard it before, but Scotland’s top police officers say speed continues to be the single biggest cause of death and serious injury on our roads. Caroline Brodie investigates

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UNLESS you are in a high-risk occupation, driving your car is probably the most dangerous thing you will do today, or any other day. That is why Sergeant Neil Morrison, of Grampian Police’s road safety unit, believes every motorist should think of their driving as a skill which can be improved upon every time they step behind the wheel.

“Driving a one-tonne metal box from A to B, often on rural roads and at speed, is the most dangerous thing you will do on a regular basis,” he said.

“There is always the potential to be involved in a collision.

“Unfortunately, it’s when drivers become complacent about the everyday task of driving to and from work or to the shops that mistakes occur – mistakes which can, all too often, cause a crash.”

It is Sgt Morrison’s job to get across the road-safety message to as many motorists as possible, particularly young drivers who are prone to high-speed and single-car collisions.

An 18-year-old driver is three times more likely to be involved in an accident than a 48-year-old, and one in three aged 17-20 crashes within two years of passing the driving test.

But speed is not alone in causing these tragic events.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland also cites drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving as major contributory factors.

Statistics show that 95% of all collisions are caused by human error and Sgt Morrison says all it takes is a momentary loss of concentration for the worst to happen.

Add speed, drink, drugs or a mobile phone into the equation and the potential for disaster can be increased many times over.

Sgt Morrison said: “Once a driver loses control, it can be extremely difficult to regain that control, even with additional driving training.

“The only real outcome is that the vehicle will probably crash. If it is going too fast, the potential for injury is increased many times over and the results can be devastating.

“The stark reality is that too many families are still being left wishing it had never happened to them as they are faced with the reality of losing a loved one in a crash.”

Sgt Morrison believes the safest option for drivers is not to drink alcohol at all when planning to drive and to beware of prescription drugs which can cause drowsiness and affect co-ordination.

He also urged motorists to buckle up, saying: “I find it unbelievable in this day and age that many people still see the wearing of seatbelts as an inconvenience or something they would rather do without.

“Don’t be fooled into thinking that serious injuries will only happen at higher speeds. At 30mph, an unrestrained driver or passenger could be thrown forward with enough force to break their neck or cause permanent injury.”

Sgt Morrison also highlighted research which shows drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash – if caught, motorists must also pay a £60 fine and receive three penalty points.