Nation braces itself for lifetime of road accidents

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of the nation have been involved in a road accident either as a driver, pedestrian or cyclist during their lifetime, according to new research by Privilege Insurance.

And it is young drivers who are most at fault, it seems. Nearly a quarter of drivers (22 per cent) in their 20s admitted to causing an accident, compared to 14 per cent of those in their 30s, just one in ten of those in their 40s and a mere five per cent of those in their 50s. Less than one per cent of drivers aged over 65 claim to have caused a road accident.

The research suggests that reckless driving behaviour has been the cause of almost 1 million accidents in the last twelve months. Nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to committing at least one of ten key dangerous driver traits in the past twelve months, as identified by Privilege Insurance.

Seven in ten (74 per cent) have broken the speed limit, over four in ten (42 per cent) have run a red light and a significant six per cent admitted to driving too close to the car in front ('tailgaiting').

18-20 year olds are the main culprits with almost all (95 per cent) of this age group admitting to one or more of the reckless driving traits. But mature drivers aren't entirely blame free - seven in ten (71 per cent) drivers aged 65-80 admit to committing at least one of the traits in the past year.

To enable safe drivers to identify inexperienced and potentially unsafe road users, Privilege Insurance is supporting recent calls on government to introduce a graduated driving licence, including compulsory 'P-plates' for newly qualified drivers.

Ian Parker, managing director of Privilege Insurance, commented on the findings: "It is shocking to see that two-thirds of the population are likely to have an accident on the roads in their lifetime, be they a driver, pedestrian, cyclist or passenger.

"British drivers should view these findings as a wake up call to look closely at their driving behaviour. We appreciate fully the stresses and strains of modern life, but urge people to value the importance of driving safely so that ultimately we work to reduce the impact of road accidents.

"Privilege's support for the campaign to introduce compulsory P-plates is a meaningful way of ensuring the vast majority of drivers are able to recognise those who may not be experienced on the roads."