Two cars damaged in a road traffic collision on Hough Lane, Leyland, with one vehicle mounted partly over the other

Road traffic collision aftermath on Hough Lane in Leyland, Lancashire, showing a silver Peugeot left at a steep angle with its front wheels and body partly resting on a red Honda. Broken vehicle fragments lie on the wet roadway while people stand nearby and another parked car is visible at the side of the street. The scene was photographed close to 71 Hough Lane in Leyland town centre, under overcast conditions after rain. The unusual final position of the two vehicles creates a striking documentary image of urban road danger, vehicle damage and the consequences of a serious loss of control. It may be used to illustrate careless driving, driving without due care and attention, poor observation, distraction, misjudgement, excessive speed for the conditions or failure to maintain proper control. However, the photograph alone does not establish the cause of the collision, identify which driver was responsible or prove that any offence occurred. Under the Highway Code, motorists must not drive dangerously, without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other road users. Careless driving is generally understood as driving that falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. Examples can include failing to look properly, turning into another vehicle's path, driving too close or becoming avoidably distracted. This editorial photograph is suitable for coverage of road safety, police investigations, insurance claims, repair costs, urban traffic incidents, driver behaviour and accident prevention. The damaged cars, scattered debris, wet surface and constrained town-centre street setting emphasise the potential financial and human consequences of a collision. It also shows how even a relatively short urban journey can result in major disruption when attention, judgement or vehicle control breaks down. The image also highlights risks to pedestrians, nearby property and other road users when vehicles leave their path