Accidents rise during England games

• Euro 2004 stats show 54% increase in accidents
• Rate may double if England reach World Cup final
• Drivers asked to leave more time on match days

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Road accidents increase whenever England is involved in a major football tournament.

Research by Churchill Insurance showed that accidents leaped by 14% during the 2004 Euro championships. That figure shot up to 54% when England were knocked out of the competition, losing to Portugal on penalties.

Churchill claims the figures prove that when England fans' tensions increase, their driving skills decrease - and if England makes it through to the World Cup final on July 9, the company predicts accidents will double.

Churchill spokeswoman Frances Browning said: 'These statistics show that more accidents happened when England played in the evenings during Euro 2004 than on other days in June.

'We would urge drivers to allow more time for their trip during the World Cup, especially on the nights when England play.'