When it comes to the responsibility of driving, there’s nothing quite so sobering as knowing that you narrowly avoided a car accident. Maybe it is equalled by the sight of a recent incident or seeing the aftermath of one on the news. Either way the result is usually a more cautious approach to driving, but this is often a commitment that fades in proportion to the memory of it’s catalyst.

But now, the BBC has put together a quite astounding feature on road casualties in Great Britain between 1999 and 2010 that could have a lasting effect on drivers across the country. The interactive piece allows users to view the location and details of each of the 36,371 road accident fatalities over the period, with the added ability to focus in on a specific postcode.

Truly illuminating - Each light point on the time-lapse map represents a car crash with rush hours clearly visible

The feature also provides endless facts about all 3,266,854 road casualties, breaking them down into road type, vehicle type, time, frequency and location – showing the most dangerous hours and places to drive. The economic cost of road accidents is also estimated, putting the figure between around £15-£32 billion over the 12 year period, with each fatality costing the economy £1,790,200. While the cost to the family of the victim is obviously immeasurable, the economic cost is no doubt made up of emergency services time, inquiry costs and car accident compensation claim payouts.

Possibly the most astonishing section of the BBC article is the time-lapse light map, it shows each car crash between 1999-2010 as a burst of light, broken down into every hour of every day of the week. Accompanied by atmospheric music and the bracing knowledge of what you’re witnessing; the map is truly beautiful to look at, yet it’s raison d’etre leaves you feeling somewhat empty.

The data for the feature was recorded by police in Great Britain between 1999 and 2010, you can access the full feature here.