Foreign Juggernauts Causing More Accidents On British Roads
Released
on: June 4, 2009, 11:03 am
Author: Staveley
Head
Industry: Financial
New
figures compiled by traffic specialists Accident Exchange show
that the number of accidents caused on British roads by foreign
juggernauts has increased in the twelve months to the end of February
2009 by 10%. The total number of accidents involving foreign lorries
in the UK is about 9,000, but the proportions vary significantly
around the country.
Nearly
50% of the total number of accidents occurring on the M25 are
caused by foreign left-hand drive trucks, which is 25% of all
the accidents in Britain where overseas registered trucks are
at fault.
According
to the last statistics released by the Department of Transport
the worst offenders are Polish drivers, closely followed by those
from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Hungary.
Many
of the accidents are caused by what is known as 'sideswiping'
which happens when a juggernaut pulls out to overtake, and due
to a blindspot is unaware of an overtaking vehicle.
A
spokesman for Staveley Head, one of the country's leading HGV insurance providers, said "The
Government has been aware of this problem with foreign lorries
for quite some time, and to some extent has taken steps to resolve
it by providing magnifying door mirrors, also called Fresnal lenses,
to some 200,000 foreign lorry drivers entering the country in
the last year. It is disappointing that their efforts have not
only failed to reduce the number of accidents but have also failed
to prevent a substantial increase."
The
Staveley Head spokesman went on to say "10% of sideswipes
result in the smaller vehicle being an insurance total loss, or
write-off. I believe the average claim cost being quoted is in
the order of £1,872, but the human tragedy cannot be measured.
Many injured parties get nothing at all as the foreign drivers
claim not to speak English, give false details, drive away from
the accident without stopping or cannot be located by insurance
investigators in their home country. Some simply don't have any
insurance cover at all."
If
you want further information about this subject, or want to know
more about insurance for trucks, Staveley
Head will be pleased to assist.
Staveley
Head is one of the UK's leading lorry insurance providers and
will give you all the advice and assistance you need, including
a very competitive truck insurance quote, if you log onto their
website at www.staveleyhead.co.uk
For
more information on any aspect of transport insurance contact
Staveley Head on 0845 017 9991 or email quotes@staveleyhead.co.uk
Contact
Details: Staveley Head, Flint , United Kingdon, 0845
017 9991,
quotes@staveleyhead.co.uk
2012
