The 4 driving offences that could significantly increase the risk of a fatality

There are a multitude of driving offences that could lead to serious accidents, but four specific types have been categorised as the 'fatal 4'. This term refers to four elements that could dramatically increase the likelihood of a fatality in a road collision.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has emphasised that these offences are a priority in their road policing strategy. Recent statistics revealed that at least one of the fatal 4 factors was present in 65% of fatal road collisions.

Drivers who were attributed one of the fatal 4 factors were also more likely to be from younger age groups. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of each of the fatal 4 factors that could heighten the risk of a fatality in a collision.

The UK's roads boast a diverse range of speed limits that can change frequently in certain areas. As a result, it can be easy to exceed the speed limit.

If you're caught speeding, you could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 fine and three points. However, penalties can escalate to much higher fines and points or even a driving ban - this typically occurs when the speed limit is significantly breached.

It's against the law to operate a vehicle if you're unfit due to the effects of drugs, both legal and illegal. This also applies if you have a certain level of illegal drugs in your system, even if it doesn't impair your driving.

Typically, if police suspect you're under the influence of drugs, they can conduct a field impairment assessment and use a roadside drug test kit if necessary.

If found guilty of drug use, you could face criminal charges. The penalties for this can range from a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and potentially a criminal record.

Your driving licence will also indicate that you've been convicted for drug driving, which stays on your record for 11 years.

Drivers and passengers are required to wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in the seat. Only one person is allowed in each seat equipped with a seat belt.

This rule also applies to children who must be in the appropriate car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135cm tall or turn 12 - whichever comes first.

If anyone in your vehicle is caught without a seatbelt, you could face a fine of up to £500. According to Government guidelines, you're only exempt from wearing a seatbelt under certain conditions:

• a driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
• driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
• a licensed taxi driver or a driver of a private hire vehicle who is carrying passengers
• a passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault
• in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
• a licensed taxi driver who is looking for customers either by being hailed in the street or by waiting at a taxi rank (known as ‘plying for hire’)

Iis illegal to use or hold a phone, sat nav, or any other such device that can send or receive data while driving. This means drivers must not hold a phone to make texts or take calls while behind the wheel.

If caught using a mobile device, drivers could face six penalty points as well as a £200 fine. They may also be taken to court where they could receive a driving ban and receive a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 if they were driving a lorry or bus.