More cars on the roads over the next weeks and months is expected to lead to a spike in road traffic accidents according to research conducted by one of the UK’s leading insurers.

Analysis from NFU Mutual of more than 2,000 drivers last month has found that 37 per cent are planning to drive to another location in the UK once the government restrictions allows, the equivalent of an extra 12 million drivers on the roads.

The insurance industry will point to data which shows where lockdown restrictions were relaxed previously there was a jump in RTAs. As lockdown was eased in May 2020 there was a 22 per cent jump in car accidents, and even for the short period of time over Christmas last year there was a 12 per cent rise. The industry will also be concerned by the survey showing that one in four drivers have said they nervous about making long journeys once restrictions are eased.

“While uncertainty remains on whether European holidays are on the cards, our research shows that millions will be taking to the UK’s roads for holidays from next week, when lockdown eases,” said NFU Mutual’s Jade Devlin.

“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 12 April, when many venues and holiday lets start opening up, so would urge drivers to take care on the roads.”

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