Almost half of adults (44%) believe their local streets are dangerous, while only 29% feel confident they are safe to travel, according to the findings of a survey published to mark Road Safety Week.
The survey, carried out by Slater and Gordon, also found more than half (55%) believe roads in their area have become more dangerous over the last year.
Nearly one in five (19.4%) witness dangerous driving multiple times a day, something Slater and Gordon says highlights the scale of the problem and the urgent need for change.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals widespread concern about road conditions and driver behaviour, painting a picture of communities where fear and risk are part of everyday travel:
- 48% avoid certain roads because they feel unsafe.
- 65% say poor road conditions, such as potholes and narrow lanes, make them feel vulnerable.
- 52% want improved road surfaces, while 46% call for better street lighting.
- 31% believe speed limits should be lowered, yet 23% admit to speeding themselves.
Slater and Gordon says this contradiction between what people want and how they behave underscores the complexity of road safety. While infrastructure improvements are a priority for many, personal responsibility remains a critical factor.
Beyond speeding, the research shows a catalogue of risky behaviours that put lives at risk every day:
- 26.6% eat or drink while driving.
- 24.4% adjust in-car settings on the move.
- 20.5% use satnav or map apps while driving.
- 14% admit to driving while tired or drowsy.
These habits, often dismissed as minor distractions, can have catastrophic consequences, notes Slater and Gordon. With reaction times reduced and attention diverted, the likelihood of collisions increases dramatically.
Matthew Tomlinson, head of serious injury north at Slater and Gordon, said: “Dangerous driving isn’t rare, it’s happening daily in communities across the UK. Every day, our serious injury team sees the devastating impact of road traffic collisions, from life-changing injuries to families torn apart.
“Road Safety Week is a vital reminder that we all have a role to play in making our streets safer, whether through better infrastructure, stricter enforcement, or simply driving responsibly.”
The survey also suggests that 48% of respondents have been involved in a road traffic collision. Yet, more than a third (36%) failed to report the incident to their insurer, and over half (55%) didn’t inform the police.
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