Britain’s best and worst drivers revealed

The results come from car insurance specialist 1st Central's annual report which ranks the most accident prone drivers according to their profession.

The data shows that accountants are the worst drivers on Britain’s roads accounting for more than 16,000 accident claims annually. Solicitors follow accountants in second place, with more than 15,000 claims being made. These two occupations are followed by doctors, who remain amongst the worst drivers for a second year running and move up from ninth position to third.

Meanwhile, roofers are the UK’s most cautious drivers – with an annual claims frequency of just 9%, making them four times less likely than accountants to be involved in an accident, and linked to just over 3850 accidents last year. Farm workers remain amongst the safest drivers again, with fewer than 4000 accidents last year, and are followed closely by builders with a 10% claim frequency.

Commenting on the findings, Pete Creed, co-founder and chief underwriting officer, at 1st Central, said: “People often have preconceived ideas about how certain professions behave on the roads.  Our data dispels a number of these myths, but it’s interesting to see that a number of professions we trust with our safety are actually the worst on the road.”

Top 10 worst drivers by profession

1. Accountant
2. Solicitor
3. Doctor
4. Financial adviser
5. Letting agent
6. Airline cabin crew
7. Bank manager
8. IT manager
9. Pharmacist
10. Train driver

Top 10 safest drivers by profession

1. Roofer
2. Farm worker
3. Builder
4. Lorry driver
5. Cleaner
6. Carpet fitter
7. Factory worker
8. Mechanic
9. Butcher
10. Painter and decorator