New data released by UK accident management specialist AX shows that the type and timing of accidents were significantly affected by the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020.

The figures show that rear end collisions fell by 27% last year, while ‘hit whilst parked’ became the most common type of collision, accounting for nearly a third of the total.

The reduction in rear end collisions is partly attributed to fewer journeys being made, however, the wider adoption of automatic emergency braking is also thought to have played a part. The rise in hit while parked incidents can be attributed to more cars being laid up for extended periods.

Other common accident causes were; third party pulled from side road, 9.2%, third party reversed into client’s vehicle, 7.6%, and lane change incidents, 5.6% of accidents recorded.

The analysis also revealed how the pandemic has impacted when collisions have occurred throughout 2020. With millions of people working from home since the outbreak of COVID-19, the AX data showed a shift in the peak time of day for accidents. This would normally be the evening commute between 17:00 and 18:00, but last year the peak shifted to the school run rush hour between 15:00 and 16:00.

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Director of Sales and Operations at AX, said, “It’s fascinating to see how the pandemic has impacted how and when collisions occur. For instance, our data shows a definite shift of incidents to early and mid-afternoon from the typical morning rush hour.”