The clashes are increasing, motorists are annoyed and experts are sounding the alarm. A recent investigation carried out on more than 13,000 drivers reveals the place where accidents avoided barely multiply at high speed. And, against all expectations, we are far from the highway.
The study was conducted in the United Kingdom by the Yonder research company in February 2025. Among the drivers interviewed, one in four said it had avoided at least one accident over the past year. This figure even climbs 37 % among young motorists aged 18 to 24. Conversely, the over 65s seem more cautious, with only 21 % having experienced a similar situation. “Strike something or someone can be a frightening and stressful experience”underlines Tim Rankin, director general of the assistance service in the event of a road collision of the AA, assist accident. Stress that could be avoided with better anticipation of dangers.
The figures speak for themselves: out of the 2,810 accident scenarios rightly avoided in 2024, 20 % occurred in the same place. Next comes another problematic place, parking lots, which concentrate 11 % of the reported incidents. In third position, we find the crossroads, with 9 % of cases. Among the testimonies, an observation often comes up: the lack of concentration of drivers is involved. Various distractions, precipitation or poor appreciation of the distances make certain places particularly accident -causing. “Some drivers admitted to us that they were distracted by something else at that time, or that they simply did not expect the unexpected”, explains Tim Rankin.
Lack of experience also plays a key role. One in five young drivers is involved in an accident within 12 months of obtaining their license. Learn to react to unpredictable behavior, anticipate the movements of other vehicles, understand the dynamics of traffic: all of this takes time. “Driving is a skill that is acquired throughout life”, recalls the expert. Rewarding the most prudent drivers and encouraging continuing education could make the difference according to him. But then, where are these “quasi-accidents”? What is this place where the risk is the highest? These are roundabouts. This is where an accident occurred narrowly out of five … and there are almost 43,000 in France, which is the first country in the world on the number of these developments (42,986 in the last census in 2024!)
Poor appreciation of distances, refusal of priority, untimely braking … So many reasons that explain why these areas are problematic. Yet designed to streamline traffic, they remain the scene of many frights and hazardous maneuvers. Additional proof that on the road is based on the attention and control of his vehicle.
