Accident aversionProof either that solicitors really live up to their safe and cautious image, or that they spend so much time in the office they do not have the chance to live life dangerously: a survey by motor insurer Bell Direct has found that solicitors are less likely to have an accident or a motoring conviction than the man and woman in the street.

While 23% of the population has had an accident, only 20% of solicitors have (at 29%, the clergy is one of the most accident-prone professions); similarly, 16% of the public has a motoring conviction, compared with 13% of solicitors.

Estate agents, conveyancers will not be surprised to hear, have a 19% conviction rate, while electricians top the table with 23%.

Vicars and priests redeem themselves here, as only 10% have a conviction.

'We like to insure solicitors,' said Bell Direct managing director Nicole Joyce, shamelessly sucking up.

'They are a very good risk for us.'