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New research shows the number of people having rear-end shunts in traffic
jams has dropped by 20% in the last ten years, suggesting that UK motorists
have become less easily distracted and are paying more attention to what
is happening on the road ahead.
Financial intermediary, Admiral has looked at more than 800,000 insurance
claims since 1995 and found that the number of motorists having bumps
and shunts in traffic has dropped dramatically. However, these types of
accidents are still the most common and account for a fifth of all road
accidents.
Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said: "There has been a steady
drop in the number of people having shunts in traffic since 1994. It could
be because motorists are paying attention to what is happening in front
when they are stuck in traffic jams. It could also be because they realise
it will cost them financially if they do go into the back of another car."
If you hit another motorist in the rear, you will almost certainly be
held responsible. This will mean you will lose your no claims bonus and
have to pay higher premiums in the future.
In 1994, 26% of road accidents were rear-end shunts. In 2000 they accounted
for 25%, but since then the percentage has fallen steadily year on year,
and last year just 21% of road accidents were rear-end shunts.
But Admiral would like to see the number of rear-end accidents fall even
further. It estimates that rear-end accidents cost the insurance industry
over £1.8 billion a year. This is not only for car repairs but also
for personal injury claims. Whiplash alone costs insurers £600 million
a year and accounts for 85% of all personal injury claims*.
To try to further reduce the number of rear-end shunts, Admiral is advising
motorists to calm down when they are in slow moving traffic and to leave
more space between them and the car in front so they have time to stop
if they have to.
Jane Stone continued: "As our roads have become more congested,
so we spend more time sat in slow moving traffic. I know it is tempting
to look at what's going on at the side of the road when you are stuck
in traffic, and I realise it is frustrating to feel you are going nowhere
fast. But it's not as frustrating as hitting another car in the rear and
losing your no claims bonus."
* Whiplash European Exchange Group
Issue date: 23-02-05
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