HARROW drivers are the worst in the country and cause more accidents than those from any other region, according to a survey carried out by an insurance company.

An astonishing 9.6% of motorists living in the "HA" postcode area had an accident that was their fault in 2004, based on a sample of a million drivers compiled by insurers Admiral. Not far behind were Uxbridge (UB) with 9.2%, and North-West London (NW) with 9%.

The figures show why Londoners often pay higher premiums than elsewhere, as rural postcodes fared much better. The Scottish borders were rated the safest with a corresponding figure of 3.9%.

Admiral managing director Jane Stone said: "Our research goes some way to explaining why where you live has such an effect on insurance premiums. Although you would expect motorists in London to have the most accidents, it is interesting that those living in the outlying parts of the city had the worst driving record last year. Maybe those in the centre of the city drive less, or are just more careful."

Wendy Mulhall knows only too well the dangers some motorists can cause. Two months ago, she was stationary in the slip road of the A40 coming from the Polish War Memorial roundabout when a car ploughed into the back of her.

She said: "Not only did the driver hit the back of my car with such force that my insurance company's original assessment was that the car was a write-off, but the driver drove off without stopping. I have only ever been involved in one other 'on the road' accident since I started driving over 20 years ago, but after this incident I would recommend that every driver make sure they have a pen and paper handy in the front of their car at all times for registration nos etc. When I reported the accident to the police they immediately assumed the driver had left the scene of the accident before I even told them, a very worrying fact and obviously a very common occurrence - as well as the fact that the car that hit me had no insurance."