It is a wonder more serious accidents are not happening on our roads, says Glass’s.
With consistent annual growth the total increase in the number of cars licensed to use the road network over the full ten year period is 8.7% and highlights that our roads have become ever more congested and therefore arguably more dangerous.
Also consider the fact that cars have also been getting longer and wider and one would naturally expect that the accident rate would have increased proportionally. However, this is less easy to demonstrate as the insurance market has shifted over the years and in fact, according to the Association of British Insurers, the claims rates have been on a downward trend for some years.
The increase in insurance costs is partly to blame and amongst other things has driven the consumer to increase their excess levels in a bid to keep household finances in check by minimising annual premiums. In addition, accidents are often not reported as drivers seek to repair their cars outside of their insurance company, to maintain their “no claims bonus”.
There has also been an improvement in driving standards as well as a significant number of enhancements and developments in both passive and active safety systems. Additionally, there have been important advances in vehicle design and the materials used in production making them both safer and stronger and in many instances less harmful to pedestrians caught in the way.
