More than 700 collisions in Avon and Somerset last year resulted in someone being killed or seriously injured, according to newly analysed figures released by police.
Photo © Bath Echo
Data for 2025 shows there were 711 collisions across the force area in which at least one person was killed or seriously injured – an average of around two a day.
44 people died, meaning fatalities averaged more than three a month.
Avon & Somerset Police say the leading contributory factors recorded in the most serious collisions mirror the “Fatal Five” behaviours known to cause the greatest harm on the roads: excessive speed, distraction, drink or drug driving, careless or dangerous driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
The most commonly recorded factor was poor observation by a driver, rider or pedestrian, which contributed to 38% of fatal and serious injury collisions.
This was followed closely by exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions, recorded in 34% of cases.
Police said 15% of collisions involved a driver or rider affected by drink or drugs, while distraction played a part in 11%. Most collisions involved more than one factor, with police warning that risks often overlap – for example, distraction or poor observation combined with excessive speed increases the likelihood of serious harm.
Around 50 casualties involved in fatal and serious injury collisions are believed not to have been wearing a seatbelt. While police noted that not wearing a seatbelt does not cause a collision, it can significantly increase the chance of death or serious injury when one happens.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles 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.”
Young drivers also featured heavily in the figures, with around one in four fatal collisions involving a driver or rider aged 25 and under.
The government’s National Road Safety Strategy, announced in January 2026, includes proposals aimed at protecting inexperienced motorists, including a minimum learning period before drivers can go out independently.
Locally, Avon and Somerset Police works with TTC (Trusted Training & Compliance) to deliver Raise Your Drive, a two-hour road safety course for young and new drivers, offered free to schools and youth groups.
Police say enforcement remains a priority. In 2025, officers made 2,567 arrests for drink or drug driving offences, with those aged 25 to 34 the most common age group. During the same year, 158,000 people were prosecuted for speeding.
The force is also encouraging the public to submit JourneyCam footage of alleged offences such as using a phone while driving, dangerous overtaking or not wearing a seatbelt. In 2025, 10,741 JourneyCam submissions were made, leading to 2,420 notices of intended prosecution and 7,443 warning letters.
Ch Insp Boiles added: “We do not want to be knocking on doors to deliver devastating news. Every serious collision we see is one too many.
“These figures show why we continue to focus on the Fatal Five and why we are asking everyone to take responsibility for the way they use our roads.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody 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.
“The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy is aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries. I am committed to help deliver on that commitment.”
