Data from Accident Exchange, which manages the aftermath of road accidents, suggests that more foreign truckers than ever are falling foul of British roads, causing havoc across both the motorway network and town centres.
The company estimates that around 1,060 motorway crashes involving overseas lorries are happening per year - a third of the total estimate of 3,100.
Of these, the M25 accounts for almost 21% of motorway smashes with the M6 and M1 at around 7% each. Cities and town centres account for 37% of all accidents involving foreign trucks.
Polish wagons were present in 15.7% of cases, while German trucks make a similar contribution to accident rates with 13.1%. Spanish HGVs are the third-most accident prone, being involved in 6.1% of foreign truck-related accidents.
Liz Fisher, director of sales development at Accident Exchange, said: "This worrying statistic shows that a collision with a foreign lorry is an increasingly real possibility.
"A heavy goods vehicle in unfamiliar territory can be a danger. Common types of accidents that might involve trucks are cars getting caught in the blind spot of a lorry that is changing lanes or cars being rear-ended by a much bigger, heavier vehicle.
"Both are equally dangerous and we urge all motorists to drive with safety and vigilance in mind at all times.
"While safety is the paramount concern, getting involved in an accident with a vehicle from abroad can also lead to frustrating and difficult administrative complications."
