Best and Worst: Accident Rates in the UK by area

Despite having some of the safest roads in Europe, around 70 people are seriously injured on British roads every day.

Could you be living in one of the UK’s accident hotspots?

Looking at accident data over the past six years, we have combined variables such as frequency, weather conditions, age groups and timings to create a database of accident hotspots across the UK – so drivers can keep alert on the roads this Winter. Plus, Motolegends have compiled some helpful tips to help drivers stay safe whilst out on the roads.

Kent is the region with the highest number of accidents in the UK

Data has shown that Kent has the highest number of accidents by local authority, with over 49,216 reported accidents since 2009 involving 92,310 vehicles. It’s reported that the highest age bracket involved in these accidents is 21 – 30, with 7,163 accidents occurring in this age group. There are currently estimated to be 1,855,000 people living within the Kent County Council area, which means there’s an estimated one accident to occur in every 38 residents making it arguably the most dangerous place to drive.

Top 10 Highest No. of Accidents by Authority

Scotland has Some of the Regions with the Lowest Accident Records

With its population of just over 2,000, the Isle of Scilly has the lowest accident record with only 18 accidents recorded over the past 12 years; however, it is Scotland that takes the crown for the safest place to drive. Five of the top 10 regions with the lowest accident records are in Scotland – these include the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Western Isles, Clackmannanshire, and East Renfrewshire.

Top 10 Lowest No. of Accidents by Authority

The City of London is the Most Dangerous Region for Local Drivers

With a recorded 3,705 and an estimated population of 9721, the City of London is the most dangerous region to drive in with one accident to every 3 people in the region. Followed by Doncaster with one accident in every 12 people and Westminster with one accident for every 14 people.

Top 10 Highest Accidents to person ratio by Authority

Hartlepool is the Safest Region for Local Drivers

With a population of 290,998, Hartlepool has only recorded 1,511 accidents over the past 12 years! This means there’s only one accident for every 193 people living there. This is followed by Isles of Scilly with one accident to every 120 people and Newport (Wales) with one accident to every 108 residents.

Top 10 Lowest Accidents to person ratio by Authority

12% of Accidents Occur During the Work Commute

There are 26.5 million working people aged 16 – 74 in England and Wales. Of these, 16.7 million people either drive themselves to work (15.3 million) or catch a lift (1.4 million). As a result, it makes sense that accidents would occur during this time – 12% of all accidents are part of a journey to and from work.

The highest number of accidents occur on a Friday (267,768) during the afternoon and evening – suggesting our rush to get home for the weekend may directly impact the increase of accidents on the roads at this time.

How can I ride safely in bad weather?

Christopher Paul of Motolegends, Guildford says, “Motorcycling can be dangerous, and as a company that sells motorcycle clothing, protecting riders is never far from our thinking. We do, however, tend towards ‘passive safety’, a philosophy that aims to ensure the rider feels comfortable and relaxed in all weather conditions. Warm when it’s cold. Cool when it’s hot. And dry when it’s wet. Only when a rider is in a position to focus all their attention on the road, can he or she do what is required to stay out of harm’s way.”