Greater Manchester motorway named as one of the most dangerous in the UK

The motoring experts at Blackcircles have analysed collision data to reveal the most accident-prone motorways in England and Wales. The M602 had 14 crashes on 2024 with 2.2 collisions per km of motorway.

Collision rates on the M602 are roughly double that of the national average, with risk typically increasing in icy conditions.

Surrounding London, the M25 is the most hazardous motorway in the country, earning a safe motorway score of just 0.59 out of 10. It carries more traffic than any other motorway, with an average of 135,000 vehicles per day, which is more than double the national average of 65,000. Motorists on this road are also twice as likely to be involved in a collision, with rates equivalent to double the national average.

Despite being one of the shortest motorways in the country, the M32 is one of the most dangerous. It is almost 10 times shorter than the national average, yet it is incredibly congested, with an average of over 75,000 vehicles passing through it daily. Just like M25, there were 2.2 collisions per km of road, the joint highest in the country.

Greater Manchester’s M602 is another collision-prone road. Despite it being a short and straight road, there are numerous junctions, turning lanes, and changing speed limits that can confuse drivers and lead to collisions.

James Harding, a tyre specialist with over 15 years of experience at Blackcircles, shares the following about driving in winter: “Driving in the winter months can be challenging, even for the most confident drivers. Slippery roads, poor visibility, and unpredictable weather mean you need to take extra care.”