The number of Belgians involved in accidents on their way to work has increased significantly between 2015 and 2021, according to figures published on Wednesday by insurer AG.
The number of accidents while commuting increased by 26% in 2015-2019. This figure has climbed year on year since 2016, before the Covid-19 pandemic led to a respite in 2020. The year after, the number of commuting accidents rebounded again by 21%.
The company analysed more than 24,000 files and found that more than three quarters of victims found themselves unable to work after these accidents. Workers spent an average of 40.5 days away from work following an accident.
Victims of accidents involving a motorcycle or moped were absent for longer, spending an average 61.5 days away from the office. The highest injury leave was reported for those involved in accidents with electric bikes and scooters. The number of days spent unable to work also increased with the age of the victim.
An accident between a car and a cyclist, September 2005 in Gent. The cyclist died in the accident. Credit: Belga
Since 2019, bicycle accidents have outnumbered those involving a car, insurer AG noted. In more than half of cases, they are due to simple slips and falls. Collisions involving a bicycle concern an average of one out of five cases.
Finally, accidents on the way to work tend to be more frequent during the winter months (November to February), regardless of the mode of transport.
