Analysis shows that the risk of an accident near an airport is twice the national average
- Heathrow is the most dangerous of the major airports, a new report has found
- It has a collision risk almost 2.5 times greater than the national average
If you’re heading abroad soon, a new report says your trip could be more expensive than you imagine.
That’s because business and leisure travelers are statistically at a higher risk of being involved in a collision than normal because they drive near major airports, the report claims.
Analysis of accident data has shown that the risk of collisions on the roads surrounding airports in England and Wales is twice the national average – and as such there are significant cost implications for drivers who are ‘to blame’ for causing accidents .
Can going on holiday be more expensive than you? Analysis of the geographical risk of road accidents has shown that areas around major airports are twice as dangerous as the national average
DfT data shows that the annual rate of injury-causing collisions nationally is around 1.7 per 1,000 people. However, this figure doubles around airports
Angelica Solutions – an independent consultancy specializing in data-driven solutions for the insurance sector – analyzed the latest road accident data from the Ministry of Transport, which shows that the annual rate of injury-causing collisions nationally is around 1.7 per 1,000 people.
However, this figure doubles in the areas around major airports.
Heathrow, the busiest airport of all in Britain, is considered particularly dangerous.
There are 4.2 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 residents annually, putting local residents at 2.4 times the risk than the national average.
Stansted and Birmingham are next, with drivers likely to be 2.2 and 2.1 times more at risk respectively.
Heathrow, the busiest airport of all in Britain, is considered particularly dangerous
Heathrow has 4.2 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 residents each year, putting local residents at 2.4 times the risk than the national average
Those who have caused a collision could face a fine of around £540 due to a combination of extra charges and higher insurance premiums on renewal for being responsible for an accident
For drivers going to these airports, the increased risk of collisions could have significant cost implications.
Being identified as the ‘culprit’ cause in such incidents could result in costs of approximately £540 for fully comprehensive policyholders, when excess payments and higher insurance premiums on renewal are taken into account.
This is based on a voluntary excess of £350 and a 30 per cent increase on the average premium, which currently stands at £622.
Sarah Vaughan, director of Angelica Solutions, said: ‘This analysis not only highlights the increased traffic risks associated with proximity to airports, but also the financial implications for motorists.
‘Motorists who choose to drive to the airport therefore run more risks on the road than during a normal journey.
“Aside from the trauma, stress and discomfort associated with a traffic accident, it will likely cost you hundreds of additional payments and a higher premium if you are found to be the ‘at-fault’ driver at your next renewal.”