Staged Crashes… Are You Part of the Hustle?

Criminal staged crashes are unfortunately becoming more common. Drivers of fleet vehicles are often targeted as gangs know these vehicles are likely fully insured and that fleet-vehicle drivers are less likely to ask questions as they are not the vehicle owners.

Typically, a ‘staged crash’ involves a criminal deliberately getting a driver to crash into their vehicle. A criminal achieves this by braking suddenly at an unexpected time, such as when traffic is moving away freely. Alternatively, they may suddenly manoeuvre their vehicle into the path of the innocent driver. The criminal may even disconnect their brake lights so it’s more difficult for the innocent driver to detect their sudden braking.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Here’s how you can minimise your chance of being targeted by a staged crash:

Always leave a sufficient gap between your vehicle and the one in front.




In good weather and on well-surfaced roads, maintain a gap of at least 2 seconds.




In wet weather or on poorly surfaced roads, maintain a gap of at least 4 seconds.




In icy conditions, maintain a gap of at least 10 seconds.




Remain alert and concentrate on your driving at all times.




Avoid distractions such as mobile phones.




Manage the space around the vehicle.




Look out for erratic drivers and vehicles without working brake lights.




Be wary of vehicles with suspicious drivers (frequent mirror checking) and passengers who appear to be looking at you.




‘Flash for Crash!’




Always be on the lookout for potential staged collisions or a ‘flash for crash’ scenario. If a driver is driving erratically, give them plenty of space. This could be an attempt to trick you into driving into them. This usually happens on the approach to a roundabout or traffic lights. The vehicle in front may brake suddenly or even reverse into you in an attempt to claim you have driven into them and claim personal injury compensation. Often, the vehicle will be a van or vehicle with a tinted or blacked-out rear window.




Always keep extra distance and look to position your vehicle where you may have an escape route.




ETD’s Lone and Remote Worker (Personal Security) Course




For more tips on how to safe when working remotely (or by yourself), you can complete ETD’s Online Lone Remote Worker Course . Follow these five simple steps to get started.

·         Create a free company account or single user account, selecting the £12+ VAT payment scheme.

·         Purchase your user accounts using the online Elavon platform.

·         For company accounts, create your user accounts (using unique usernames) and “activate” each user by pressing the “activate” button.

·         Purchase your online training by selecting the courses that you require. Ticking a course will instantly assign it to the user’s account.

·         Once the courses have been assigned, single users can access the course under “my courses”. Company users can log into their account, go to “my courses” and start the training.

If you require any assistance with the online training, then please contact our support team , who will be happy to help.