What types of vehicles can be involved in an RTA?

What is an RTA?

In the UK, an RTA is a road traffic accident. It can involve any vehicle using the road, from cars and vans to lorries, buses, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians.

The term is broad, so it is not limited to major collisions. Even lower-speed incidents, such as a minor bump in traffic or a cyclist being struck at a junction, may be classed as an RTA.

Cars and Private Vehicles

Cars are among the most common vehicles involved in RTAs. These incidents can range from rear-end shunts in slow-moving traffic to more serious collisions at roundabouts, crossings, or junctions.

Private vehicles also include taxis and minicabs. Because they spend long periods on the road, they can be involved in accidents in built-up areas, on motorways, or when picking up and dropping off passengers.

Vans, Lorries and Other Commercial Vehicles

Light vans are often involved in RTAs because they are widely used for deliveries, trades, and business travel. Their size and stopping distance can make collisions more likely in busy urban streets or tight residential roads.

Lorries and HGVs can also be involved, particularly on motorways, dual carriageways, and industrial routes. When these vehicles are involved in accidents, the damage and injuries can be more severe because of their weight and size.

Motorbikes, Scooters and Mopeds

Motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds are commonly involved in RTAs as well. Riders are more exposed than drivers in enclosed vehicles, which means even relatively minor collisions can cause serious injury.

These vehicles are especially vulnerable at junctions, when filtering through traffic, or when other road users fail to notice them. Poor weather and slippery road surfaces can also increase the risk of an accident.

Cycles, E-Bikes and Pedestrians

Bicycles and e-bikes can be involved in RTAs with cars, buses, vans, or other cyclists. In some cases, a cyclist may also be injured by road defects, opening car doors, or sudden manoeuvres by other vehicles.

Pedestrians are also part of many RTAs, particularly near crossings, schools, shopping areas, and bus stops. Children, older adults, and people with mobility issues are often at greater risk of injury if a collision occurs.

Public Transport and Specialist Vehicles

Buses, coaches, and minibuses can be involved in RTAs, especially on busy urban routes or when passengers are getting on and off. Their size means they may cause multiple injuries if a collision happens in a crowded area.

Other specialist vehicles can also be involved, including refuse trucks, agricultural vehicles, emergency vehicles, and construction machinery on public roads. In each case, the circumstances of the accident may affect who is liable and what injuries are caused.