Overconfident drivers pose the greatest risk on Britain's roads, revealed new research from Norwich Union.
NU said its Insurance Crash Index showed Britain was a nation of arrogant drivers, with 93% claiming to be very confident behind the wheel, and a further 60% believing they would pass their driving test if they were to take it today.
However, the index also found that three-quarters of these 'confident drivers' have been involved in a collision. And an estimated 70% would fail their driving test second time round.
Based on analysis of claims data since 2000, NU said the index was designed to act as a barometer of trends and issues relating to the motor insurance industry.
The most recent data revealed that one in eight drivers will have an accident, the highest recorded collision level since the index began, NU said.
NU actuarial director Julian Lowe said: “No one likes to admit they are a bad driver, but we've been startled by motorists' misplaced confidence on the roads.
“Cocky drivers are a real menace as they often regard good driving as the ability to master the controls of the car at higher speeds.
“Our claims data reveals just how common car collisions really are and how we quickly forget the skills and safety guidelines needed to obtain a driving licence.”
