Bad attention behind 25% of crashes

FAILURE to pay attention by drivers is fuelling a surge in car crashes on Leicestershire’s roads.

Out of 1,252 incidents last year, 400 reported collisions last year were due drivers failing to look properly, nearly a quarter of the total.

Drivers or riders failing to judge another person’s path or speed, and people driving carelessly, recklessly or in a hurry, were also top reasons for crashes, accounting for 214 and 189 incidents respectively.

Brett Dixon, president of the Association of Professional Injury Lawyers, said: “Nobody wants to (be) injured, especially when it is something that could be avoided.

“As millions of people take to the roads to see family and friends, drivers really must be even more aware of the need to address dangerous habits to avoid needless collisions, injuries and subsequent insurance claims.”

Other common collision causes that accounted for more than 100 incidents each in Leicestershire last year include poor turn or manoeuvre, loss of control, slippery road due to weather, and travelling too fast for conditions.

Pedestrians failing to look properly, sudden braking and following too closely were also common reasons for crashes.

Mr Dixon added: “The UK has some of the busiest roads in Europe, with 50 per cent more traffic than the European average.

“It is essential, especially at this time of year, in bad weather and when roads are even busier, that motorists avoid as many of the dangerous driving habits in this list as possible.

“APIL has long campaigned against tailgating, in particular, and we are encouraging everyone to “back off” to help avoid needless injuries.”