The most dangerous places to drive in the UK outside of London have been revealed, with three out of the top 10 in the same region.
The research, conducted by Tollwayr, analysed historical data from the Department for Transport Statistics to identify the UK regions with the highest average collisions per billion vehicle miles from 2018 to 2023.
Blackpool topped the list, recording an average of 976 collisions per billion vehicle miles during this period, with 2021 witnessing the highest number at 1,090 collisions.
Hull followed closely in second place, averaging 943 collisions per billion vehicle miles. The city’s most hazardous year was 2018, which saw 1,051 collisions per billion vehicle miles.
The Isles of Scilly clinched third place, with an average of 936 collisions per billion vehicle miles across the years studied. The figures peaked in 2023, with a staggering 2,199 collisions per billion vehicle miles.
Luton has been pinpointed as the fourth most collision-prone area in the UK, with an average of 856 collisions per billion vehicle miles.
Interestingly, 2018 saw a peak in dangers on Luton’s roads, with 969 collisions per billion vehicle miles recorded, earning it the title of the most hazardous year.
Following close behind, Brighton and Hove secured fifth place, averaging 851 collisions per billion vehicle miles. The year 2021 marked its riskiest period, with 891 collisions per billion vehicle miles.
In a broader look across all UK regions, the data show an average collision rate of 335 per billion vehicle miles over the assessed timeframe.
On the other end of the spectrum, Moray in Scotland emerged as the safest region for drivers, boasting a mere 82 collisions per billion vehicle miles.
M.E. Wijnmalen, CEO of Tollwayr, weighed in on the report’s implications, stating: “These findings highlight the importance of prioritising road safety measures, especially in areas with higher collision rates.
“While it’s not guaranteed to have a collision driving through any of these areas, you must prioritise your own safety on the road as much as anyone else’s.
“This is especially important with winter coming up, which is expected to change certain driving experiences across the UK drastically.”
