November 11th 2024.
One driver recently shared his harrowing experience surviving a crash with a stolen lorry, saying he considers himself "lucky" to have made it out alive. Unfortunately, his story is not uncommon in the UK, as a new study has revealed the worst areas for uninsured driving in the country.
In just this year alone, over 115,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicles seized. The cost of injuries caused by uninsured and hit-and-run drivers amounts to a staggering £2.4 billion annually for the British economy, due to the need for emergency services.
Even more concerning, statistics show that every 20 minutes, someone in Britain is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. And on a daily basis, at least one person suffers life-changing injuries from such accidents. These alarming numbers have prompted the Motor Insurers' Bureau to conduct a study and identify the most prolific spots for uninsured drivers in the United Kingdom.
The results of the study are shocking, with eight out of the top 15 spots being occupied by areas in Birmingham. The worst areas for uninsured drivers are the city's B11 and B21 postcodes. The third spot is taken by East London's DA17 district in Bexley. Interestingly, the MIB also noted that 30 claims against uninsured drivers were made in Croydon, south London, which is the highest in any postal district in the UK. However, due to the high population density in the area, it ranks 176th on the list.
Other areas significantly affected by uninsured drivers include the WV2 district in Wolverhampton, NE29 in North Tyneside, and HP12 in Buckinghamshire. One motorist, Ian Lee, shared his own experience of being hit by a stolen lorry in a hit-and-run incident in Wakefield, West Yorkshire earlier this year. Mr. Lee's car was struck by the truck, which had cloned number plates, in a "mighty crash." The driver then fled the scene on foot.
"I was shunted over to the other side of the road and it was all a bit of a blur. I got out to have a look and saw this lorry on my car," Mr. Lee told Sky News. He sustained a shoulder injury and continues to experience pain to this day. Looking back, he considers himself fortunate to have survived the accident.
Uninsured drivers face a £300 fixed penalty and six points on their license if caught. Police also have the authority to seize uninsured vehicles whenever they are discovered. Those who end up in court could face a driving ban and an unlimited fine.
In light of these alarming statistics, it is crucial for drivers to ensure they are properly insured before taking to the roads. It is not only a legal requirement, but also a responsible choice that can prevent accidents and protect both drivers and their fellow road users. Below is a list of the top 15 worst areas for uninsured drivers, as revealed by the study.
- B11, Birmingham
- B21, Birmingham
- DA17, Bexley
- WV2, Wolverhampton
- NE29, North Tyneside
- HP12, Buckinghamshire
- B18, Birmingham
- SK1, Stockport
- B8, Birmingham
- WS4, Walsall
- CV7, Solihull
- BL7, Bolton
- B33, Birmingham
- DN8, Doncaster
- MK7, Milton Keynes
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