UNTIDY and cluttered cars are more likely to be involved in traffic collision, according to a new survey.

The findings show that Brits are some of the muckiest motorists around, increasing the danger on UK roads. Almost a fifth of the 2,000 polled (18 per cent) have been involved in an accident caused by a cluttered car; half confess that they only clean the inside of their car once a year and eight per cent of Brits never clean their car at all.

Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com commented: “Untidy cars are literally littered with potential hazards. Empty cans risk becoming lodged under drivers’ control pedals and crisp packets blowing around in a moving vehicle can distract a driver’s attention.

“We’re encouraging Brits to spring-clean their cars and de-clutter. A clean car provides a safer driving environment, which benefits all UK motorists. The cost of meeting claims after an accident contributes to all our car insurance premiums, so decreasing accident numbers will save money as well as lives.”

Jessica Wright and Sam Faiers, faces of the Confused.com Spring car clean campaign, confess they’re some of the 75 per cent of people in the UK who need to clean their cars more often.

Star of reality TV show The Only Way is Essex, Nanny Pat, says “When Confused.com told me how messy cars can lead to accidents, I immediately thought of Mark and the girls’ safety. Mark’s always got leaflets and water bottles rolling about in his car.

I’m very house proud and I think the same should apply for cars. People in Essex particularly look after their cars and I think the rest of the UK could learn a lot by following our example.”