New Data Reveals Most Unusual Locations for Road Accidents

From drive-throughs to football pitches: the unexpected places road accidents happen

When most people think about road traffic accidents, they picture busy motorways or congested city centres. But new claims data suggests collisions can happen in far more surprising places.

First4Lawyers analysed four years of internal injury claims data from sister law firm First4InjuryClaims. The research revealed that while the majority of accidents occur on our roads, others take place in more unexpected locations.

Among the more unusual settings for accidents were airport shuttle routes, petrol station forecourts, fast food drive-throughs, car boot sales and even football training grounds.

The findings highlight that risk isn’t limited to open road. Anywhere vehicles and people share space, accidents can happen.

Surprising hotspots for collisions

More accidents take place on petrol station forecourts than you might expect. With cars pulling in and out, drivers reversing from pumps and people moving between vehicles, these spaces can quickly become congested and dangerous.

Drive-through lanes at fast food restaurants also featured in the data. Tight turns, limited visibility and drivers distracted when ordering or collecting food can all increase the chance of a bump or scrape.

Large public events and gatherings can also create unexpected risks. Collisions were reported at car boot sales and other busy outdoor venues where vehicles move slowly through crowds of people.

Even sports facilities appeared in the data, with incidents taking place at football training grounds where cars, staff and players are all in close proximity.

Airports were another surprising location. These collisions often involved shuttle buses transporting passengers between terminals and aircraft.

Why accidents happen off the road

Andrew Wild, Legal Director at First4InjuryClaims, said the common factor in many of these incidents is distraction:

“Drivers tend to be most alert on major roads where they expect hazards,” he explained. “But in places like forecourts, car parks or drive-throughs, people often let their guard down because they see them as low-risk environments.”

Low speeds can also give a false sense of security. While many incidents in these settings are minor, they can still lead to significant injuries:

“Even at slow speeds, a sudden stop or minor collision can cause injuries such as whiplash or soft-tissue damage,” Wild added.

Tips for avoiding collisions in everyday spots

Drivers can reduce the risk of accidents by treating any area where vehicles and pedestrians are present with the same caution they would use on the road.

Simple steps such as driving at an appropriate speed, checking blind spots, avoiding distractions and staying patient in busy environments can make a big difference.

Being mindful in all environments, not just on busy roads, is the best way to avoid accidents and injuries.