New data from one of the UK's leading breakdown providers has revealed that a significant proportion of road accidents are caused by simple, momentary lapses in concentration behind the wheel.
The Startling Statistics Behind Distracted Driving
The AA analysed a total of 67,000 claims made to its Accident Assist support service between January 1 and December 14, 2025. The findings paint a clear picture of how easily preventable incidents are occurring on British roads.
The most prominent figure shows that 40 per cent of all road accidents this year involved vehicles colliding while on the move. A further 10 per cent of incidents were straightforward cases of drivers hitting the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic.
Another 9 per cent of claims stemmed from vehicles hitting parked cars. Meanwhile, a collection of more unusual incidents, including hitting kerbs, open car doors, road debris, and walls, accounted for two per cent of the total.
The Human Factor: Stress and Simple Mistakes
Tim Rankin, Managing Director for AA Accident Assist, emphasised that the impact of a crash extends far beyond vehicle damage. “Being involved in a crash is incredibly stressful and can affect people in different ways,” he said. “Aside from any physical injuries, people could be mentally and emotionally affected for some time.”
He directly linked this stress to the causes of many collisions. “Our data reveals that in many cases, a momentary loss of concentration is a key factor in the collision happening,” Rankin explained. The analysis points to common errors as primary culprits:
- Following the vehicle in front too closely.
- Forgetting to apply the handbrake.
- Misjudging space, particularly in car parks.
Rankin warned that the psychological toll can be long-lasting, with drivers suffering stress, anxiety, and a loss of confidence long after their car is repaired.
Unusual Claims Highlight the Need for Focus
The AA's data also includes a catalogue of less common but revealing claims that underscore the need for constant attention. Just one per cent of incidents involved contact with objects like hedges, barriers, or wildlife such as deer.
Specific cases cited include a driver whose car rolled into a neighbour's parked vehicle after they failed to apply the handbrake. In another claim, a motorist reversing out of a garage struck a ladder, while a separate driver managed to hit a wall while parking at home.
A New Year's Resolution for Safer Roads
In response to these findings, Tim Rankin proposed a straightforward resolution for all road users as we approach 2026. He advises drivers to “allow more space between yourself and other road users, show respect, slow down, and keep your eyes on the road.”
This simple advice, if followed, could directly address the key factor identified in the data—momentary lapses—potentially preventing thousands of stressful and damaging collisions on UK roads in the year ahead.
