When you’re most likely to crash
Discover when to take extra care on the roads this summer.
Analysis of accident claims by car insurance company AXA has revealed that car accidents increase by 8.5 percent on Fridays compared with other days in summer. In contrast, fewest accidents take place on a Monday.
If you are planning to get behind the wheel this summer, AXA’s statistics suggest you are most likely to have an accident on the Friday following the bank holiday – which falls on 3 September 2010.
Likewise, you are 21 per cent more likely to have an accident on the Friday after school holidays begin – a few days from now on 23 July.
If you want to be extra safe this year, bank holiday Monday (30 August) is statistically the safest day for drivers.
The research also shows one in ten motorists has had some kind of collision en route to or from a UK holiday destination.
Driving safety tips
Whatever the date on the calendar, there are ways to increase your safety on the roads.
Plan ahead: You could avoid the stress of traffic jams by checking to see if there are any problems reported on the route before you set off. If travelling with children, AXA recommends packing something to keep them entertained.
The insurance company also found that nearly a quarter of us leave for a holiday without planning the journey before hand. If you’re not well prepared for your journey, you could end up getting into difficulty on unfamiliar roads.
Lay off the partying: We’re all aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. However, you should probably go easy on the alcohol the night before you have a long drive.
If you have seriously overindulged, you may still be over the legal driving limit the following day. Also, a hangover following a night of heavy drinking could leave you tired and unfocused on a long drive – making you more prone to accidents.
Don’t give into road rage: During hot summer weather, you might be more tempted to get involved in an altercation with another driver. If someone tailgates or cuts you off, try to take a deep breath and let it go.
Also, try not to get too frustrated by arguments with your other half. Research from More Than insurance found ‘romantic road rage’ had been the cause of more than 2.5 million accidents in Britain.
Don’t pay twice for breakdown cover: If you have fully comprehensive car insurance, you may already have breakdown cover as part of your insurance policy.
Many insurance companies now offer breakdown cover as a feature of their fully comprehensive policies. Read your policy carefully before you purchase breakdown cover elsewhere.
To learn more about car insurance, see our ‘Beginner’s guide to car insurance’.
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