MORE than 700 collisions in which at least one person was killed or seriously injured took place across Avon and Somerset in 2025.

Newly analysed data shows that the leading contributory factors in these collisions were excessive speed, distraction, alcohol/drugs, careless/dangerous driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Matt Boiles, roads policing inspector, said: “More than 700 fatal or serious injury collisions took place on our roads last year. That is not just a statistic. It represents families and communities shattered and people whose lives have been permanently changed.

“In so many cases, split-second lapses in concentration or risky decisions have combined with devastating consequences.

“The vast majority of serious collisions we attend involve behaviours that are entirely preventable. When people choose to speed, drive carelessly or recklessly, use their phone at the wheel or get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, they are taking a risk not just with their own life, but with the lives of others.”

Poor observation by a driver, rider or pedestrian was the most commonly recorded causation factor, contributing to 38 per cent of collisions.

This was closely followed by a driver or rider exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions, which contributed to 34 per cent.

Fifteen per cent of collisions involved a driver or rider being affected by drugs or alcohol, while driver/rider distraction played a role in 11 per cent of cases.

Young drivers also feature significantly in the statistics, with around one in four fatal collisions involving a rider or driver aged 25 and under.

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Families across our communities are living with the lasting impact of split‑second decisions on our roads. Much of this harm is preventable, and we all share responsibility for keeping each other safe.