ABI Cite Foreign Road Users As Threat To Safety

The Association of British Insurers has today called on the UK government and the European Community to tighten regulations regarding foreign drivers, which it found to be responsible for a significant proportion of road accidents throughout the European Union and the UK specifically.

Working alongside motoring pressure groups the ABI reported that an increasing number of road accidents were being caused by motorists travelling cross border, to be confronted with significant differences in road traffic rules and driving styles.

As the EU becomes more of an economic contender, and free movement of goods principles enable greater, less restrictive trade between member states the issue of driving in foreign countries has become increasingly prevalent as the number of associated accidents has been shown to be on the increase.

According to the report released today, over 18,000 road accidents in the UK last year were as a direct result of the actions of foreign drivers, specifically from other European nations, with HGVs from other member states far more likely to be involved in accidents than domestic vehicles.

It is this kind of transport that the ABI has called to be regulated, particularly throughout the EU with a focus on greater harmonisation between the various different countries of the EU and their driving laws and road traffic set ups.

A particularly potent example lies in the direction of travel, with motorists stick to the right in most European countries, whereas motorists in the UK are required to drive on the left hand side. Likewise, French motorists are required to give way to the left at roundabouts with particular emphasis on traffic entering the roundabout, whereas UK drivers must give way to drivers from the right.

It is this kind of lack of harmonisation across the EU member states that the ABI has highlighted as being problematic, and leading to an increase in the number of road accidents throughout the region.

Category: Business Insurance News