West Midlands drivers handed shocking police findings on state on region’s roads

New findings revealed through FOIs to West Midlands Police reveal an alarming trend

14:12, 21 Apr 2026

New statistics have revealed grim findings on the West Midlands' roads(Image: Stock image)

New statistics have revealed the number of crashes in the West Midlands increased by more than 20 per cent over two years.

Freedom of Information requests revealed there were 7,244 reports of road traffic accidents to West Midlands Police[1] in 2023 but this increased to 8,898 reports in 2025 - representing a 22.83% rise in reports.

A total of 24,627 accidents were recorded in that timeframe including 8,485 documented in 2024, according to the data obtained by Accident Claims Advice[2].

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WMP revealed that the most common cause of accidents was 'ineffective observation' on the part of drivers or pedestrians across 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Meanwhile, in 2023 and 2024, the second most common cause was drivers being aggressive, dangerous or reckless - one such example was 'reckless' drug driver[5] Renaise Monk[6] in Walsall[7].

The third most common cause in 2023 and 2024 was drivers overshooting junctions, or poorly executing turns or manoeuvres.

This was also the second most common cause for crashes in 2025.

Meanwhile, the third most common cause in 2025 was drivers exceeding the speed limit - such as this Birmingham driver jailed[8] after a fatal crash which saw him reach 102mph.

Road Traffic Accident Manager for JF Law, Tracy Chick, said: "Road traffic accidents are not only distressing for those involved - they can also have potentially life-changing repercussions.

"Driving is part of everyday life for many of us, but it can also be dangerous.

"While speeding and driving under the influence bring obvious concerns, external factors such as treacherous weather conditions or simple distractions can prove to be the difference between an easy journey and a serious incident.

"It's incumbent on all of us to take care, be observant and obey traffic laws - one quick slip could have dramatic, lasting consequences for you or someone you love.

"We can all be the difference in making Britain's roads safer."

References

1. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Accident Claims Advice (www.accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk)
3. ^ Birmingham drink-driver avoids jail after high-speed A5 Tamworth lorry crash (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ BirminghamLive WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ 'reckless' drug driver (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ Renaise Monk (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
7. ^ Walsall (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
8. ^ Birmingham driver jailed (www.birminghammail.co.uk)