New research suggests accidents caused by foreign lorries are costing £52m a year in lost working hours, vehicle repairs and injury claims. Analysis by vehicle replacement company Accident Exchange reveals that the annual number of collisions on UK roads involving foreign-registered lorries could be as high as 9,800. Side-swiping remains the biggest cause of accidents.
The majority - 46% - of incidents occurred on motorways,
with the M25 accounting for around 42% of that figure. Repair bills averaged out at almost £3,750, although some were as high as £5,647. One in 10 vehicles were write-offs. Accident Exchange drew its findings from a survey of 100,000 reported road traffic incidents it had handled between March 2006 and March 2008. It suggests foreign lorries are now responsible for one out of every 350 accident, creating a bill of £2.8m in lost working hours and a further £48.9m in vehicle repairs, write-offs and personal injury claims.
Steve Evans, Accident Exchange chief executive, says: "The rate of incidents may be rising, but so too is the escalating cost. The awareness of British drivers to the dangers is just as important if this figure is to be reduced." Evans adds: "Too few UK motorists realise that left-hand drive HGVs are unable to see vehicles overtaking them on the right. A greater appreciation would help."
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