Have you ever found yourself wondering which UK cities boast the best drivers and which ones are notorious for their not-so-skilled motorists? With traffic congestion, roadworks, and varying driving habits across the country, it's a question that may pique your interest. In this blog post, we aim to address this very topic! We will delve into some recent studies and statistics to examine which UK cities have the best and worst drivers, exploring factors such as accident rates, car insurance prices, and speed limits. So buckle up and join us as we navigate the roads of Britain from the best drivers to the worst.
How Do We Define the Best and Worst Drivers?
Before we begin examining individual cities, it is essential to establish the criteria for determining the best and worst drivers in the country. While the definition of “good” or “bad” driving can be subjective, there are key indicators we can consider when analysing driving habits in a specific area. These indicators include accident rates, motoring offences (such as speeding or using a mobile phone while driving), and car insurance prices (which are often influenced by the general driving habits in a particular area).
The Best Drivers in the UK
According to a study by Privilege Car Insurance, Plymouth takes the top spot as the UK city with the best drivers. This study went beyond accident rates and considered factors such as the use of a mobile phone while driving, speeding, tailgating, and aggressive horn use. Plymouth ranked low in all categories, reflecting a relatively calm and law-abiding driving environment. Other cities that fared well in the study include Oxford, Truro, Ipswich, and Sheffield.
The Worst Drivers in the UK
On the other end of the spectrum, the same study by Privilege Car Insurance concluded that London has the worst drivers in the UK. The capital city ranked high in the majority of the categories researched, including mobile phone use, speeding, and tailgating. Liverpool came in second, followed by Manchester, Belfast, and Cardiff.
Accident Rates: The Good and the Bad
A study by the Department for Transport found that the West Midlands had the highest rate of casualties per billion vehicle miles (51 casualties per billion miles) in 2022, while the North East had the lowest (29 casualties per billion miles). The average for England is 36 casualties per billion miles. It is important to note that factors such as road infrastructure and public transport can influence these figures.
Car Insurance Prices: How Do They Reflect City Driving Habits?
Car insurance companies base their premiums on various factors, including the likelihood of a claim arising from the geographical location. Cities with higher accident rates or driving offences often have higher insurance premiums, a reflection of the perceived risk in that area. For example, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester are known to have some of the highest average car insurance prices in the UK. On the other hand, cities like Dundee, Exeter, and Truro have comparatively lower insurance prices, indicating safer driving habits in these areas.
As we have seen, there is clear variation in driving habits across the UK, and how the title of best and worst drivers is attributed to specific cities can change depending on the criteria used. Plymouth generally holds the title for the best drivers, whereas London usually takes the unfortunate top spot when it comes to the worst drivers in the country. However, it's important to remember that there are plenty of skilled motorists in every city, and these findings shouldn't discourage nor stigmatise drivers in the areas with less-than-stellar reputations. Instead, let this information encourage greater road safety awareness and promote responsible driving habits across the UK.