The Premier League stands as England’s most beloved sports league, boasting stadiums that are typically filled to over 95% capacity for every game.
However, with the surge of attendees flocking to these stadiums, the risk of road accidents also rises.
In response, National Scrap Car conducted a study to identify the most dangerous Premier League stadiums to drive near this season. By analyzing road incident data within a mile radius of each stadium over a span of five years, they ranked every club from the most hazardous to the safest.
Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea, topped the list with the most accidents within a five-year period, totaling 495. Of these accidents, 90 were severe and 3 were fatal.
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium followed closely behind, with 344 recorded accidents, one-sixth of which were serious incidents.
Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park and Brentford Community Stadium were next on the list in London.
On the flip side, the AMEX Stadium of Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium experienced the fewest accidents, with only 29 incidents occurring over the past five years.
Commenting on the findings, motoring expert Dorry Potter at National Scrap Car emphasized the importance of cautious driving on game days, especially with the influx of football fans and visitors. Basic vehicle checks are recommended before hitting the road to ensure safety for all.
Some essential checks to consider before heading to the next game:
- Tyres: Ensure proper tyre pressures and check for wear and tear, including the spare tyre. Make sure the tread depth meets the legal requirement of 1.6mm.
- Engine oil: Regularly check and top up engine oil levels.
- Water: Keep the screen wash topped up for clear visibility.
- Lights: Ensure all lights are functioning properly to avoid risks and meet MOT requirements.
- Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel or charge for your journey.