BLAME for the majority of road accidents lies squarely with drivers who commit a 'cocktail of errors' which get them into trouble, a new report claims. An Autoglass study, called 'Anatomy of an Accident' analysed accidents and found that on average 2.6 errors were made in most accident situations.

The study found there are 22 main blunders, with speeding, reckless driving and taking risks common factors in one in five accidents, while bad driving in poor weather is the most common route to an accident. During the study 300 drivers were analysed in depth, with 50 keeping detailed diaries. It was launched for the start of National Road Safety Week this week, organised by road safety group Brake.

More than half the drivers admitted to having crashed during their driving lives, but only 20% accepted they might be to blame in some way. Most at risk were drivers aged 16 to 34, who are most likely to speed, be distracted, talk to passengers, drive thoughtlessly and take risks.