Good driver training, taking out a good quality annual breakdown cover policy and good old fashioned careful driving are three ways to ensure that our roads are as safe to use as possible. But of course, no matter how careful you are yourself, you may come into contact with motorists who are not quite as diligent.

It is encouraging, then, to learn that the UK is officially one of the safest places to drive in Europe – beaten only by Finland in a list compiled by EuroRAP – the organisation charged with keeping track of safety on European roads. It is heartening to see the UK near the top of such a list for once.

The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark follow us in the list, all of whom have comparable levels of safety. The bottom of the table is occupied by Italy and Spain.

If you want to take a closer look at the list, visit the Wikipedia page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_traffic_safety

There are many reasons why the UK might find itself in such a good position on road safety, but improvements in the design and manufacture of vehicles of all types is likely to be a big factor. Robotic law enforcement (notably speed cameras), together with public information campaigns are also likely to have played a role in making Britain the second safest place to drive in Europe.