Over 1.6 million people have had an accident while driving their children to school or nursery in the past five years, revealed Sainsbury's Car Insurance.

In addition to driving their car insurance premiums up by being involved in a collision, 15 per cent of people admitted they had put lives at risk by not securing their child with a seatbelt while in the car.

Joanne Mallon, the firm's manager, said the number of people who do not secure their child's seatbelt is "concerning".

"The school run can be very stressful for drivers," she added. "Busy roads, children being noisy in the back seat and the worry of being late for school or work can all lead to stress that can affect people's driving."

According to the firm, lateness is the main reason by school run accidents, followed by traffic congestion, distractions in the car or tiredness.

Insurance firm esure found that November is the highest claim month for car accidents.

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