Road accidents a result of 'bad habits'

Many of the accidents on our roads could be easily avoided as they may be the result of 'bad habits' such as driving whilst feeling tired and excessive speeding, warns Sainsbury’s car insurance.

The bank is issuing this caution in the run up to festive season, a notoriously busy time on Britain's roads.

To help identify the extent of accidents on our roads, new research from the bank indicates that 4% of motorists - some 1.14 million drivers - claim to have had a car accident between April and September 2006, two thirds of which were male drivers.

Richard Clark, car insurance manager, Sainsbury’s Bank said: “Christmas brings with it the threats of drink and fatigue and in the run up to the festive season we urge people to take extra care. If planning a long journey to visit family or friends, make sure you take regular breaks, if planning to drink alcohol plan your arrangements in advance and organise alternative transport, if you're running late, don't be tempted to speed. Taking these steps should dramatically reduce the number of accidents on our roads and ultimately save lives."

Research from Sainsbury’s Bank indicates that as many as 38% will drive whilst feeling tired and 26% will use excessive speeding.

On an age basis, 12% of drivers aged 17 – 24 said that they had been involved in a road accident in the six month period (April – September), which is the highest of any age group. For all other age groups, the corresponding figure is between 2% and 4%.

Around Britain, the Midlands was found to have the highest percentage (6%) of motorists that had been involved in a road accident over the six months, compared with 3% in South East/East Anglia and 2% in Scotland which had the lowest percentage.