Parked cars, kerbs and even open car doors were among the most common things drivers crashed into last year.

That’s according to new research from AA Accident Assist in their annual round-up of incidents for 2025.

It paints a picture of how everyday driving mishaps – many of them avoidable – continue to make up a large proportion of collisions on UK roads.

Top of the pops

Topping the list by a considerable margin was colliding with another vehicle while driving, which accounted for 40% of all reported incidents.

While serious crashes often grab the headlines, the data shows that lower-speed impacts and minor lapses in judgement remain a persistent problem.

Almost one in five crashes (19%) involved hitting a parked car, highlighting the risks faced by vehicles left on residential streets and in busy urban areas.

Meanwhile, 10% of incidents were caused by drivers running into the back of another vehicle in slow-moving traffic, a scenario often linked to tailgating or momentary inattention.

Beyond collisions with other vehicles, the figures reveal a surprisingly wide range of inanimate objects struck by drivers throughout the year.

Hitting a kerb, an open car door or debris in the road each accounted for around 2% of incidents.

Walls also featured in 2% of crashes, while hedges, barriers and even deer appeared further down the list.

AA Accident Assist’s top 10 crashes for 2025 were rounded out by drivers hitting hedges (1%), barriers (1%) and deer (1%), underlining that hazards can come from almost anywhere – particularly when concentration slips.

Look away now

Further analysis of incident descriptions suggests that distraction and simple errors played a major role in many of the collisions.

In one case, a driver “forgot to put the handbrake on” and their car subsequently “rolled into a neighbour’s parked car”.

Another reported reversing out of a garage and hitting a ladder, while a separate driver admitted to “parking at home and hit a wall”.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said being involved in a crash can be “incredibly stressful” for those affected. “Aside from any physical injuries, people could be mentally and emotionally affected for some time,” he said.

“Our data reveals that in many cases, a momentary loss of concentration is a key factor in the collision happening. Be that being too close to the vehicle in front, forgetting to put the handbrake on or misjudging the space in car parks.”

Eyeing up safety

Looking ahead to the new year, Rankin suggested that drivers could make a simple but meaningful New Year’s resolution.

“As we head into 2026, allow more space between yourself and other road users, show respect, slow down, and keep your eyes on the road,” he said.

The findings also carry implications for businesses, particularly those operating vehicle fleets.

Ensuring drivers are safe, compliant and informed is not only about protecting employees but also about demonstrating a strong company culture and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation.