AAMI Crash Index Data Shows NSW Drivers Go Head to Tail, and Fail to Give Way... a Lot

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, September 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) New South Wales drivers have more accidents than any other state because of failing to give way to other vehicles, according to new data from AAMI, Australia's largest national car insurer. After examining nearly 275,000 accident claims from July 2011 to June 2012 for the forthcoming 2012 AAMI Crash Index, the five most common crashes NSW and Aussie drivers experienced are:

New South Wales
1. Nose-to-tail (30.4%)
2. Failed to give way (23.2%)
3. Parked car dings (19.8%)
4. Collision with stationary object (14.0%)
5. Collision while reversing (10.2%)

National
1. Nose-to-tail (28.1%)
2. Failure to give way (20.2%)
3. Parked car dings (19.9%)
4. Collision with stationary object (14.1%)
5. Collision while reversing (10.7%)

The most common accident types on Australian roads have barely changed over the years, according to AAMI spokesperson, Reuben Aitchison. "We are making the same mistakes on the road year after year, with nose-to-tail accidents the number one type of smash on the road in 2012, just as they were 10 years ago."

Over the past 10 years the proportion of nose-to-tail accidents has remained steady, sitting between 27 and 29 percent of all claims lodged each year since 2002. However, the proportion of parked car dings has risen steadily over the same time, from a low of 15 percent of accidents in 2004 to 19.9 percent in this year's Crash Index.

Despite NSW's seemingly poor showing when it comes to judging safe distances or showing patience on the roads, drivers nationally seem to be getting a little better at the basic driving skill of giving way. The number of crashes on Australian roads due to a failure to give way are slowly but steadily decreasing from 22.6% of crashes in 2002 to 20.2% this year.

"With NSW having so much of its population living in cities and driving in high-traffic areas, its perhaps not surprising that a lot of accidents involve one car going in to the back of another.

"It is a point of shame that NSW drivers have more accidents than any other state because either they can't judge safe distances, or decide it's worth risking their and other road users' safety by trying to sneak in front of another car just to save a few seconds.

By understanding what types of accidents are most common, drivers can begin to adjust their driving behaviours in order to make the roads safer for everyone, according to Mr Aitchison.

"Being a safe driver really does come back to the basics, like keeping a safe distance between vehicles, maintaining focus or waiting until it is safe to pull out in to traffic or make a turn. Yet, consistently, it's these silly mistakes that get people into strife.

"AAMI has been dealing with accident claims and getting people back on the road safely for more than 40 years, and over that time we've found that it really does take just an instant of distraction, inattention or impatience for things to go horribly wrong. Ultimately, prevention is always better than cure for all those involved, including other road users backed up for miles because of accidents that are often avoidable," Mr Aitchison said.

About AAMI
At AAMI, we know that you want to be sure your car is properly protected by the insurance policy you purchase. AAMI is a leading provider of comprehensive car insurance with benefits such as lifetime repair guarantee; lifetime rating one and valet service. Insurance issued by Australian Associated Motor Insurers Ltd (AAMI). Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement at www.aami.com.au or call 13 22 44.