The term ‘accident’ has never really been accurate use of language. It implies that the incident was inevitable regardless of the actions of those involved.
The problem is a physcological one.
Firstly, the ‘average person’ passes their driving test and then beleives that they are an ‘excellent driver’ and need not learn anything more about driving.
Secondly, this same person is also (in the Western World at least) a selfish individual in that their needs surpass others. So they have ‘the right of way’, or ‘the other person should have been looking out for me’ etc…
Thirdly, people look upon driving a car as an essential human right along with food and shelter.
Fourthly, because of the above no political party will dare to introduce actually effective measures to improve driving standards. Like tougher driving tests or periodic re-testing. It would alienate too many voters.
Instead, we get targeted campaigns on minority road users – such as cyclists. These, although in isolation seem good ideas actually have little effect on the whole.