Car accident figures show DfT's sense of contributory factors
The UK's Department for Transport published a Freedom of Information response on its website in 2008 in response to an unnamed person's query regarding the causes of car accidents on motorways.
Sadly it was unable to give figures regarding the cause of accidents, as police recording of car crashes does not assign blame. It did, however, give contributory factors instead, as these are recorded, although it adds the caveat that these are impressions of the police officer at the scene, not the final decision in any personal injury compensation claim that may have been made after the accident.
Their figures, drawn from those accidents on UK motorways in 2006 where a police officer attended the scene and recorded a contributory cause, are as follows:
- Travelling too fast for conditions: 854
- Exceeding the speed limit: 209
- Learner or inexperienced driver/rider: 211
- Driver using mobile phone: 18
- Vehicle defects: 320
The figures regarding mobile phone use include hands-free and standard handsets, and the vehicle defect figure includes everything from flat tyres to broken indicators. It is interesting that by far the biggest single contributory factor is cars travelling faster than is safe, but within the speed limit, particularly when the DfT mention that the speed-related factors may be under-reported by police.
Making a car accident compensation claim
Whatever the cause, if you have been involved in a car accident where other parties were at fault, you may well be able to make a compensation claim to cover your losses, including those in the future. YouClaim is ideally placed to help you in this.
Our expert advisors can discuss the details of your crash with you, and help you decide if proceeding with a claim is your best option. You will not be pressured into making a claim if you decide against it. Should you want to proceed, however, we can find you the best personal injury solicitor for your needs from a panel of no win, no fee lawyers, all of whom are strictly governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
No-one will charge you at any point in your road traffic accident claim, whether you win or lose (and our winning rate is excellent). This makes your compensation claim risk-free to you, and our 100% compensation promise means that you face no risk of losing any cut of your damages.
Call us today on 0800 10 757 95 to speak to an advisor, or use our internet claim form or e-chat services to reach us online. We'll look forward to helping in your car accident claim.
