Black box data reveals how safe Scotland’s drivers are compared to the rest of the UK

The South East of England finished in last place for careful motorists, according to the study of black box data by Direct Line.

The insurance firm analysed the locations of 10,000 DrivePlus policyholders who scored highest for safety factors such as speed, smooth acceleration and braking.

Once each region’s driving population was taken into account it was found that the North East has the highest proportion of the safest drivers, followed by Scotland and the East of England.

Paul Felton of Direct Line said safer drivers with telematics devices in their vehicles are given lower renewal prices for insurance.

He added: “This will be music to the ears of many young drivers across Britain, particularly those in the North East.”

But Neil Greig, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ director of policy and research, claimed black boxes could be used for “so much more” than premium adjustment.

“The IAM would like to work with insurers to tailor training courses based on each drivers’ individual failings,” he said.

“Targeting the weakest areas is likely to make the biggest contribution to road safety.”

This is the ranking of where the highest proportion of Britain’s safest drivers live, according to Direct Line:
1. North East England
2. Scotland
3. East
4. North West
5. Midlands
6. London
7. Wales and the West
8. Yorkshire
9. South West
10. South East