Driver Error Identified as the Top Cause of UK Road Collisions, ONS Reports
New research from Howden Insurance has highlighted the leading causes of road collisions in the UK, with driver error emerging as the top factor. The study analyzed accident data from the Office for National Statistics over the past decade to identify key contributors to road accidents.
The findings reveal that driver error is responsible for 67.26% of road collisions annually, making it the primary cause. London stands out as the region with the highest percentage of driver error-related collisions, averaging 74.24%.
Failing to look properly ranks as the second most common cause, contributing to 37.81% of all collisions, with London again leading in this category at 46.78%. Behavior or inexperience follows closely, cited in 23.61% of collisions, with the West Midlands recording the highest average at 29.26% over the past decade.
Injudicious actions, reflecting poor judgment, account for 21.86% of collisions, with the West Midlands again leading at 28.01%. Additionally, 20.06% of collisions result from failing to judge another person’s speed or path, with the West Midlands showing the highest percentage in this category at 24.16%.
A spokesperson for Howden Insurance commented, “This data emphasizes that human error is the predominant cause of road accidents in the UK. It underscores the importance of being aware of not only your own driving but also the actions of others on the road, reinforcing the need for comprehensive insurance coverage.”
Top Causes of UK Road Collisions (2013-2022 average):
- Driver/rider error or reaction – 67.26%
- Driver/rider failed to look properly – 37.81%
- Behavior or inexperience – 23.61%
- Injudicious action – 21.86%
- Driver/rider failed to judge another person’s path or speed – 20.06%
- Careless, reckless driving or being in a hurry – 16.38%
- Impairment or distraction – 15.22%
- Road environment contributed – 12.89%
- Poor turn or maneuver – 12.74%
- Loss of control – 12.50%
For more information on safe driving practices and resources to help improve your driving skills, visit Driving.org.