According to AA statistics, 'driver error' is a more significant factor in 90% of road traffic accidents than the condition of either the car or the road. While it is obviously better to be driving a safe car on safe roads, driver error can effectively discount both of these factors. It is perfectly possible to drive along a badly surfaced road in an old car safely and considerately. Equally, it is also possible to drive a top of the range car on a perfect road surface carelessly and without consideration. While roads are routinely improved and technology continues to make cars safer and more efficient, the one part of the equation that remains an unpredictable variable is the skill of the driver.

Unfortunately, the continued improvements in driving conditions and car safety have combined to create an unexpected effect. A report by the Association of Applied Psychology (AAP) suggests that 'passive safety features' such as seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones serve only to compound the problem. The report concludes that, "the safer a driver feels, the more blase; he becomes about having an accident."

'Active safety features' such as hi-performance tyres and automatic braking systems come out no better. According to the AAP, these features only cause drivers to, "readjust their perceived margins of error."

Incentive to improve driver skills.

Whilst the finger of blame seems to be squarely pointing at the driver, there seems to be little incentive for a driver to improve his or her skills. Some motorists are motivated enough to seek out further training and become advanced drivers. However, the only material benefit is a slight reduction in insurance premiums for those who achieve this status. Yet, if we look a bit deeper, there are less obvious dividends to be reaped.

The Telegraph newspaper reported that "the cost of motor insurance premiums rose 38% last year - an increase of nearly GBP 200." Insurers argue that this hike is the result of poor motoring skills combined with an increase in the number of fraudulent claims. At least GBP 44 is added to the cost of each insurance premium, according to the AA. Were people better equipped at the wheel, the average motorist could see a significant reduction in the cost of car insurance. However, the fight against insurance fraud is likely to be an ongoing concern.

Outside influences.

There are, of course, factors that are beyond a driver's control, but these are still outside influences that the driver could be prepared for. Winter brings with it an almost inevitable spike in the number of road traffic accidents each year. Certainly, advanced driver training would be of some benefit in these conditions but what might be more effective is an introduction of legislation that makes the use of winter tyres mandatory. Not only is this likely to reduce the number of accidents in poor weather, but might also reduce the number of absences from work that is attributed to bad driving conditions.

The AA statistics point to a much larger and worrying problem than the state of the roads. If sub-standard driving is allowed to go unchecked, then the cost of motoring for the rest of us can only increase. It seems that further and more intense training might be of benefit to everyone, both financially by pushing the cost of car insurance premiums down and reducing the number of car accident compensation claims, and in terms of safety.

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