Sharp increase in road accidents predicted as lockdown eases

Based on claims trends following previous UK lockdowns, insurer NFU Mutual is expecting a sharp increase in accidents from this week.

Step 2 in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown allows for the reopening of non-essential retail — including hairdressers, community centres, gym, zoos and theme.

Self-contained accommodation, such as campsites and holiday lets, were also allowed to reopen from 12 April.

Claims to NFU Mutual for car accidents increased sharply by 22 per cent over the late May Bank Holiday last year, shortly after the Covid-19 lockdown was eased on May 11. Car accident claims also increased by 12 per cent over the Christmas period compared with previous weeks.

The prediction comes alongside one in four drivers admitting that they're feeling anxious about making long journeys once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Of 2000 drivers surveyed by NFU Mutual in March, 37 per cent said they are planning to drive somewhere to go on holiday in the UK once lockdown restrictions allow it. However, the data reflects that the most nervous driving groups are also those taking to the UK’s roads to holiday in the highest numbers.

Post-lockdown nervousness is most pronounced amongst younger or less experienced drivers and out-of-practice Londoners, and the majority have either already booked their holidays or are planning to. Nearly two thirds of drivers aged 18-34 (63 per cent) and more than half of Londoners who drive (53 per cent) will be taking to the roads for a UK getaway this year.

"Where easing has happened in 2020 we’ve received sharp surges in reported car accidents with roads getting busier very quickly and drivers taking their first long distance drives for a while. We’re sadly expecting the same from 12th April when many venues and holiday lets start opening up, so would urge drivers to take care on the roads," said NFU Mutual motor insurance specialist, Jade Devlin.