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Motorists in London and the south-east believe that driver ability is the most important safety factor when behind the wheel.

A survey carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) showed that 61 per cent of drivers in and around the M25 felt that ability was more important for safety than features such as seatbelts and airbags.

Many drivers admitted to having made a claim on their car insurance after having a crash, but few were willing to blame driver ability for the incident.

Unexpected hazards were blamed by 32 per cent of those asked, while ten per cent cited driving too close to the vehicle in front as the reason.

"This survey is a bit of a shock – there is clearly confusion surrounding what contributes to potential crashes," explained IAM chief executive Christopher Bullock.

"Collisions are not just 'accidents', they are caused by human error. Driver skill gives the ability to not only anticipate unexpected hazards but also to set safer following distances.

"And while seat belts and airbags are great innovations, neither of them actually prevents the crash happening in the first place. They do precious little for the more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

"That is where the skill of the driver is so important. Drivers should recognise the need for that responsibility and be prepared to act accordingly," he said.

Mr Bullock said he believes that drivers in the south-east may have a more realistic view on how crashes happen as they have to cope with the daily congestion in the region.

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