FIGURES obtained by Accident Claims Advice have shown that there have been over 1,500 road traffic collisions involving cars across Thames Valley in the past year.
According to provisional data released by the Department for Transport (DfT), the UK experienced a 12% rise in reported road traffic accidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Fatal accidents saw a 7% increase, while serious injuries climbed by 15%.
Factors such as post-pandemic increases in road usage, adverse weather patterns, and distracted driving are cited as primary contributors to this alarming trend.
On average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 80 are seriously injured.
In 2024, Thames Valley Police recorded 1,787 road traffic collisions involving cars.
One of the major contributing factors to car crashes is speeding, as it is responsible for nearly one-third of all fatal collisions.
Another growing cause is distracted driving, as the use of mobile phones, even hands-free, significantly distracts drivers.
Studies suggest that a distracted driver is four times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Failing to look properly was the most common cause, resulting in 603 collisions, followed by drivers being careless, reckless or in a hurry, which led to 402 accidents.
Road Traffic Accident Manager for JF Law, Tracey Chick, said: “Each road traffic incident represents a moment of distress and potential life-altering consequences for those involved.
“If you have been involved in an accident, your safety should be the immediate priority, before exchanging details with the other involved parties, and reporting the incident to the police if there are injuries or significant damage.”
“While it is important to many, driving has many dangers attached to it, including distractions, excessive speed and even adverse weather conditions, which can all turn a routine journey into a serious incident.
“Regarding eligibility to claim, it’s vital to understand that every case is unique. Generally, if you’ve suffered injury or damage due to the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation.
“We urge all drivers to obey traffic laws and prioritise the safety of themselves and other road users, as a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences. Let’s all commit to making our roads safer.”
Accident Claims Advice provides expert claim and legal advice services for those who may have been involved in a road traffic accident, with a24-hour helpline and an online claim form.
More Information available via: accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk
