What Actually Counts as a Road Safety Hazard
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
A road safety hazard is anything that raises collision risk, generally grouped into vehicle factors, environmental factors, and human factors, with human factors being the most common contributor.
Before a driver can practice strong hazard identification, it helps to understand what actually counts as a hazard in the first place.
Vehicle Factors
Worn tires, faded brakes, or malfunctioning lights are all vehicle-based hazards, distinct from anything the driver or environment contributes.
Environmental Factors
Weather, road surface, and lighting all shift the level of risk present, regardless of driver behaviour or vehicle condition.
Human Factors
Distraction, fatigue, and impairment are human factors, and building the skill to notice all three hazard types is covered in our guide to hazard identification.