An average of two people a day were killed or seriously injured on roads across Avon and Somerset in 2025, according to newly released police figures.

Data analysed by Avon and Somerset Police shows there were 711 collisions in which at least one person was killed or seriously injured across the force area last year.

In total 44 people lost their lives, meaning more than three people died each month on roads across the region.

Police say the main causes of the most serious collisions match the well-known "Fatal Five" driving behaviours — excessive speed, distraction, alcohol or drugs, careless or dangerous driving and not wearing a seatbelt.

Speed and poor observation among top causes

According to the analysis, poor observation by drivers, riders or pedestrians was the most commonly recorded factor, contributing to 38 per cent of collisions.

This was closely followed by excessive speed, which contributed to 34 per cent of fatal or serious injury crashes.

Other key factors included:

• Alcohol or drugs – involved in 15 per cent of collisions
• Driver distraction – involved in 11 per cent of cases

Police say many serious collisions involve more than one contributing factor, with risky behaviours often overlapping.

advertisement

Around 50 people involved in fatal or serious collisions were believed not to have been wearing a seatbelt, which police say significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury.

Young drivers also feature in statistics

Young drivers also appear prominently in the data, with around one in four fatal collisions involving a driver or rider aged 25 or under.

Nationally, young and newly qualified drivers are recognised as facing higher road risks, often due to inexperience.

A new Government National Road Safety Strategy announced in January 2026 includes proposals aimed at improving safety for new drivers, including the potential introduction of a minimum learning period before driving independently.

Thousands of road offences recorded

Police also revealed that during 2025 officers made 2,567 arrests for drink or drug driving offences, with drivers aged 25 to 34 representing the most common age group.

During the same period:

• 158,000 people were prosecuted for speeding offences
• 10,741 JourneyCam submissions were made by the public
• 2,420 notices of intended prosecution were issued
• 7,443 warning letters were sent

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles said the figures represent real people and families affected by serious collisions.

He said: "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."

Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody added that many road deaths are avoidable and called on drivers to take responsibility for their behaviour.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected drink or drug driving to police. Anyone who believes a driver is currently under the influence should call 999.

More local stories

Wells City Practice welcomes new GP partner

What's On: Spies, stage chaos and suspicious accents in Wells this week

Subscribe to the FREE Wells Nub News weekly newsletter — get the latest Wells news, events and community updates straight to your inbox.