Birmingham is one of worst for road accidents in UK - with three of the city's commuter routes named

There were 13,758 road accidents in Birmingham over the last five years, which may be heavily influenced by its extensive road network and heavy traffic.

The major urban city faces increased risk when it comes to collisions due to congestion and high pedestrian activity close to busy roads, including the commuting routes of A38, Hagley Road and Leebank Middleway.

Another major road, A38 Bristol Road, is officially the worst road in Birmingham for speeding, where 1,655 offences were recorded in the last 12 months.

The A38, Hagley Road, Leebank Middleway and the A38 Bristol Road are among Birmingham’s most dangerous routes for several reasons:

• As key commuter routes, these roads see consistently high traffic throughout the day, especially during peak hours. This congestion increases the likelihood of collisions, as the high density of vehicles leaves little room for error.

• Speeding is a recurring issue on these routes. The A38 and Hagley Road, in particular, have seen high numbers of speeding violations, with drivers often exceeding the speed limit in areas close to schools, residential neighbourhoods, and shopping districts. This makes it especially hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians.

• These routes feature several major intersections, traffic lights, and roundabouts, which can complicate traffic flow and contribute to accidents. Drivers often make last-minute lane changes or quick turns, increasing the risk of collisions.

• Being close to central Birmingham, these routes see heavy pedestrian activity, with people crossing the roads frequently. The high number of pedestrians near major roads increases the risk of pedestrian-involved accidents, especially where crossing points are limited or poorly marked.

• Hagley Road, in particular, is used by a mix of regular commuters, buses, and commercial vehicles, which adds to congestion and increases accident risk. The presence of large vehicles also makes it challenging for other drivers to navigate safely.

These factors combined make routes like the A38, Hagley Road, and Leebank Middleway hotspots for accidents, as they’re essential yet complex routes in Birmingham's road network.

Great Britain saw an estimated 133,443 road collisions in 2023, showing a decline of just 4% since 2022.

The Isles of Scilly was the area with the least incidents, with just five recorded in the last five years. Although this could suggest that the Isles of Scilly is the safest place for driving in Britain, other elements could also add to its impressively low statistic. 

With its population of just 2,285 and limited road infrastructure, the remote archipelago off the Cornish coast will naturally see less traffic compared to Kent and Surrey. However, the island’s quiet roads are predominantly used for local transport, with lower speed restrictions, making critical accidents rare. 

The data has been collected by Number1Plates.