One in 10 single vehicle crashes involved drivers whacking into a
wall, according to data from AA Accident Assist*.
Over the past three and a half years, AA Accident Assist has
helped tens of thousands of drivers who have caused damage to
their own vehicle by bumping into things.
Drivers clipping kerbs, bumping into bollards and clipping trees
make up the top four items crashed into. In many cases, the
object struck was their own property, including garage doors,
gates and fences.
While out on the road, drivers have bumped into lamp posts, signs
and trolley bays. Indeed, one in fifty drivers hit a pothole so
deep it caused significant damage to their cars.
As much as those involved feel the embarrassment of bumping into
inanimate objects, the level of damage caused by these
self-inflicted crashes range from scuffed wheel arches to broken
bumpers and smashed windscreens.
Top 10 items crashed into by drivers;
- Wall – 10%
2=. Kerb – 7%
2=. Bollard – 7%
4. Tree – 5%
- Barrier – 4%
6=. Lamp post – 2%
6=. Gate – 2%
6=. Fence – 2%
6=. Pothole – 2%
6=. Garage – 2%
Descriptions of incidents from drivers;
- “Driver was reversing into their garage and misjudged the
space, causing damage to the front of the car.”
- “Driver hit a lamp post when parking, blinded by sun shining
in eyes.”
- “Driver left their handbrake off and car rolled backwards
into a tree.”
- “Driver pulled into driveway and scraped their wall whilst
parking.”
- “Driver leaving Sainsbury's car park and clipped the railings
around the trolley park.”
Lapses of concentration, as well as distractions both inside and
outside the vehicle can lead to low-speed crashes. This is
highlighted in The AA's latest advert, where the driver's eye has
caught sight of a rather unusual shadow**. The advert
showcases the complimentary AA Accident Assist service which all
members can use, regardless of who they are insured by***.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said;
“Occasionally, driver's do things they consider ‘silly', and a
low-speed single car bump is high on the list.
“Forgetting to put the handbrake on, misjudging the entry onto
the drive or even clipping the kerb can initially be
embarrassing. However, that embarrassment soon turns to annoyance
when they spot the scuff on the door or a crack in the bumper.
“What might seem an innocuous knock can soon turn out to be a
nightmare to resolve, with trying to find someone reputable to
fix the damage at a fair and reasonable price.
“But, it's ok when you're with The AA. Our Accident Assist
service has helped repair tens of thousands of vehicles following
a scrape in their car.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Analysis of AA Accident Assist workload; single vehicle
incidents from 2021-date.
** The other advert for the campaign can be viewed here: It's OK I'm
with The AA Advert | 2024 | Sticky (youtube.com)
*** AA Accident Assist is a complementary service for AA members,
more details can be found here;Accident Assist and Recovery |
Road Accident Assistance | AA (theaa.com)
