Warning over lane change accidents

23/09/11

By Shane Gladstone

Research has suggested that people changing lanes at the last minute cause many accidents on UK roads.

Accident Exchange said that lane changing-related incidents account for more than 6% of all traffic accidents in Britain - soaring almost 50% since 2009.

The research suggested that such accidents have reached an annual figure of 152,000-plus, causing more than £437 million worth of vehicle damage every year.

The firm said that such accidents often occur when a driver changes lanes without notifying other road users by indicating.

The accident management firm made the claim after analysing more than 50,000 accidents in the UK.

Lee Woodley of Accident Exchange said: "Today's cars are packed with 'active' safety equipment, but for some vehicles strengthened frames can mean reduced visibility and larger blind-spots.

"Older cars tend to have slimmer pillars which don't obscure the driver's view to the side or rear as much. This is certainly part of the problem."