FLEETS should keep a watchful eye on drivers after an accident because new research suggests they are more likely to have another one, particularly those driving in London.

It found that 17% of west London drivers who had a crash since the start of 2004 had another within 12 months.

Elsewhere in London, 16% of drivers have repeat crashes in the east and north west, 15% in north London, 14% in the south west and 13% in the south east. The national average is 11.3%, according to insurance company WNS Assistance.

In Greater London, drivers are a little more careful. Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames and Romford see 12% of drivers crash more than once, the same percentage as in towns just outside the M25 such as Hemel Hempstead and Slough. The town of Tonbridge in Kent has more accidents all round, a higher number than large cities like Bristol, Leeds and Nottingham.

The survey was carried out by WNS Assistance, which is anticipating 350,000 motor insurance claims this year on behalf of insurers, brokers, and large commercial fleets.

A total of 150,000 accident victims from all areas of the UK were selected for the survey, which covers the period from January 2004 to March 2006. Of these, 17,000 were involved in more than one car accident within any 12-month period.

WNS managing director Tim Rankin said: ‘Perhaps one reason might be that Londoners mix and match more than most between driving their own car and using public transport or taxis.

This relative lack of regular driving experience for at least some London motorists, together with what sometimes comes across as a lack of courtesy on the capital’s roads, making driving more hazardous, all have their effect.

‘Perhaps it is not too surprising, therefore, that those Londoners who crash once are far more likely to crash twice, three times, or even more in any one year, particularly when their driving also inevitably involves negotiating the heavy congestion of the capital, along with no-parking red routes, bus lanes, and the generally faster pace of life in the capital.’