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Some Facts and Figures about Vehicle Accidents

Around 40% of vehicle accidents incurring physical loss or damage occur during parking or manoeuvring, according to a recent Allianz Insurance research initiative.

It also found that the vast majority of incidents happen when reversing. In eight out of ten cases, the accident happens when manoeuvring out of a parking space; incidents rarely occur when driving into a parking space. Older drivers, aged 65 and above, cause a third more accidents during parking or manoeuvring than those aged between 25 and 64.

Most accidents during parking and manoeuvring occur when reversing

Almost half of all liability claims resulted from a vehicle hitting another stationary vehicle when reverse parking, and one out of every five driving manoeuvers involved two cars bumping into each other as they were both reverse parking.

Accidents during parking and manoeuvring can cause serious injury!

The proportion of parking and manoeuvring accidents which cause motor liability bodily injury claims is, at 4%, considerably less than that for motor liability physical loss or damage claims. However, accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists can still lead to serious injuries. Particularly notable is the study’s finding that these accidents were exclusively caused by reversing. Older pedestrians aged 65 and above were particularly heavily affected (two thirds).

Changes in vehicle shape is the main cause of accidents

The main cause behind the increase in accidents during parking and manoeuvring is attributed to changed vehicle shapes and the continual growth of urbanisation. Over the past decades, cars have tended to become wider and longer, whilst the size of parking spaces has stayed the same. Analysis showed that vans and SUVs are most frequently involved in accidents during parking and manoeuvring. They are responsible for around 30% more of these accidents than small or compact vehicles.

In addition, drivers’ visibility has been considerably reduced, particularly through the rear and side windows, as a result of changed structure and designs.

Parking assistance systems can help avoid accidents in the future

The study showed that many parking warning systems currently installed in vehicles are only of limited use when it comes to avoiding accidents during parking and manoeuvring. These systems don’t cover the sides of the vehicle, thus missing many hazards. Many drivers rely too heavily on their parking assistance system, and often fail to act quickly enough.

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We are Personal and Commercial Insurance Brokers based in Newquay, Cornwall covering the whole of the UK.

Information taken from Allianz Insurance. Figures are the findings of a joint research project carried out by the Allianz Insurance Centre for Technology (AZT) and Continental AG, analysing almost 3,500 traffic accidents.