Rear-end collisions remain one of the most common types of accidents on UK roads, despite advances in vehicle technology and driver awareness campaigns.
Recent data from AX reveals that the trend continues, even as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent.
Persistent prevalence of rear-end shunts
Rear-end shunts consistently account for a significant proportion of accident claims. According to AX’s latest findings, over a third of road collisions reported to them are rear-end impacts. For dealerships, understanding this trend is vital for customer service, repair planning, and sales discussions.
Why do rear-end collisions remain so common?
Several factors contribute to the ongoing dominance of rear-end collisions:
- Increased traffic and congestion: Busy roads, stop-start traffic, and congestion create more opportunities for drivers to misjudge stopping distances, leading to more shunts.
- Distracted driving: The use of mobile phones, in-car entertainment, and navigation systems can divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Driver behaviour: Tailgating, sudden braking, and failure to anticipate traffic flow are still frequent issues, especially among less experienced drivers.
- Misunderstanding EV performance: Electric vehicles often deliver instant torque and rapid acceleration, catching some drivers off guard. This can contribute to unexpected braking and, ultimately, more rear-end incidents.
EVs and accident trends
AX’s data highlights that EVs are just as susceptible to rear-end shunts as conventional vehicles. While EVs feature advanced safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking, these technologies alone are not enough to eliminate the risk, particularly when driver attentiveness is lacking.
Implications for dealerships
- Customer education: Dealerships are in a prime position to educate customers about the importance of safe following distances, especially when handing over new EVs. Highlight how instant acceleration can affect typical driving habits.
- Aftercare and repairs: With rear-end collisions so prevalent, service and repair teams should be prepared for a steady stream of related work, including bumper and sensor repairs, especially on EVs where components can be more costly.
- Sales conversations: Understanding common accident types can help sales teams offer better advice regarding insurance products, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle features that can mitigate accident risks.
Despite technological advancements, rear-end shunts remain a persistent issue on UK roads. For dealerships, staying informed about these trends supports better customer service, more effective sales conversations, and well-prepared aftersales teams. By proactively addressing the causes and implications of these incidents, dealerships can enhance their reputation and provide greater value to customers.
With rear-end shunts so prevalent – and often more complex when EVs are involved – having the right accident management partner becomes critical to protecting both your customers and your dealership’s reputation. The right partner will help you manage repairs efficiently and safeguard the customer experience from first notification of loss through to vehicle handback.
