The poll of 13,767 drivers found that almost two fifths (37%) of 18-24 year old drivers had has a near miss, with a quarter saying they avoided multiple collisions. In contrast, a fifth of drivers aged 65 and over said they had a near miss in 2024.
With one in five newly qualified drivers crashing within the first 12 months after passing their test, AA Accident Assist is calling for improved young driver education policies such as learner drivers gaining as much experience as possible in as wide a range of circumstances before submitting themselves for the driving test. According to the latest DVSA figures, the top 10 reasons for failing the practical driving test include; not making effective observations at junctions, not using mirrors correctly and not responding appropriately to traffic lights**.
"Some drivers admitted to us that they were distracted by something else at the time, or that they simply weren’t expecting the unexpected."Elsewhere, all drivers should be encouraged to undertake in-life driver education courses to showcase lifelong development in the skill of driving, with the hope that such programmes could lead to cheaper insurance premiums***.
More than a quarter of men (27%) said that they avoided a crash, compared to a fifth of women. Similarly, more than a third (35%) of drivers in Northern Ireland said they almost crashed, compared to 21% of Scottish and Welsh drivers.
Total drivers who had at least one near-miss collision in 2024 by age
| 1. | 18-24 | 37% |
| 2= | 25-34 | 34% |
| 2= | 35-44 | 34% |
| 4. | 45-54 | 26% |
| 5. | 55-64 | 24% |
| 6. | 65+ | 21% |
Total drivers who had at least one near-miss collision in 2024 by region
| 1. | Northern Ireland | 35% |
| 2= | East Midlands | 26% |
| 2= | West Midlands | 26% |
| 4= | North East | 25% |
| 4= | Eastern | 25% |
| 6= | Yorkshire & Humberside | 23% |
| 6= | London | 23% |
| 6= | South West | 23% |
| 9= | North West | 22% |
| 9= | South East | 22% |
| 11= | Scotland | 21% |
| 11= | Wales | 21% |
Run-ins at roundabouts and jump scares on junctions
AA Accident Assist also captured the scenarios of almost 3,000 drivers about their near misses on the road last year. By far the most common location was at a roundabout with 560 respondents saying someone almost ran into the back of them, or they almost drove into the vehicle in front.
Car parks (315 events) and junctions (241 events) complete the top three scenarios where drivers narrowly avoided a crash. Other scenarios include traffic lights (168 events), changing lanes on motorways and A roads (180 events) and people almost driving into the back of a vehicle due to them suddenly stopping (145 events).
Some examples of drivers recalling their incidents in 2024 they said; “Nearly drove into stopped vehicle in traffic queue”, “Driver changed lanes without looking” and “Dazzled by low sunlight and was too close to car coming towards me”.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “Crashing into something or someone can be a frightening and stressful experience, yet one in four drivers almost found themselves in that position.
“Some drivers admitted to us that they were distracted by something else at the time, or that they simply weren’t expecting the unexpected. Concentration on roundabouts and at junctions is especially important, as these are where drivers were most vulnerable.
“While inexperience is a big factor, drivers of all ages found themselves in difficult situations. Driving is a lifetime skill, so finding a way to encourage and reward in-life learning could produce safer drivers. Should the worst happen, one call to AA Accident Assist, can help take out hassle of getting your car back on the road. ”
* Yonder received 13,767 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to the 19th February 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
** Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain - GOV.UK