Medical professionals are the most accident prone in the UK

A recent press release by the online price comparison site, Confused.com, totally changed my perception of the motorist profiles I have had all my life. Apparently those in the medical profession appeared most frequently in the top ten (50%) car insurance claims in the past 12 months (18th October 2009 and 18th October 2010).



This is surprising because they are supposed to be most aware of all professions when it comes to accidents and injuries.



The results of the research showed that GPs are the most hazardous drivers in the UK with 33% of claims made by them. They were followed by psychologists (30%), district nurses (30%), hospital doctors (29%) and dentists (27%)making a claim.



In what seems to be bizarre findings, 20-20 vision doesn't help as well with opticians making up 27% of those claiming for an incident in the last 12 months. They were closely followed by law abiding policeman who made up 26% of the claimants.



It was not surprising that high earners such as solicitors and accountants are also the most likely to make a claim, contributing to 65% of the top 20.



The safest drivers were actually the low income earners with car valeters being the least likely to make a claim with only 8% putting in the paperwork in the last 12 months.



Here is the full list of the Top 20 occupations that have claimed in an accident:



1. Doctor GP

2. Psychologist

3. District Nurse

4. Hospital Doctor

5. Solicitor

6. Chartered Accountant

7. Head Teacher

8. Dentist

9. Personnel Officer

10. Chartered Surveyor

11. Quantity Surveyor

12. Optician

13. Systems Manager

14. Police Officer

15. Financial Advisor

16. Computer Services Manager

17. Accountant Chartered

18. Pharmacist

19. Probation Officer

20. Local Government Officer



Top 20 occupations least likely to be involved in an accident



1. Car Valeter

2. Labourer

3. Van / Lorry / Fork Lift Truck Driver

4. Farm Worker

5. Scaffolder / Roofer

6. Construction Worker

7. Decorator / Painter / Plasterer

8. Road Worker

9. Coach Driver

10. Security Guard

11. Builder

12. Groundsmen

13. Mechanic

14. Carpet Fitter

15. Warehouse Employee

16. Bar Staff

17. Cleaner

18. Bakery Worker

19. Double Glazing Fitter

20. Factory Worker

Best safety innovations

Euro NCAP presented the first Euro NCAP Advanced rewards at a press conference held on October 1st 2010 at the Paris Motor Show. The technologies developed by car manufacturers were rewarded for offering scientifically proven safety benefits:

1. Audi Side Assist


2. BMW Assist Advanced eCall


3. Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)


4. Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE® and PRE-SAFE® Brake


5. Opel Eye


6. Peugeot Connect SOS and


7. Citroën Localized Emergency Call


8. Volkswagen Lane Assist


9. Volvo City Safety

According to the press release,other technologies will be assessed in the coming months and will be announced in 2011.



For more details, go to the NCAP’s website.

Volvo PR failure

I cringe when I see this video. Was supposed to showcase Volvo's automatic stopping feature. However, as you can see, things didn't go as planned.