Across the world, Christmas is a time for joy, family and celebration. Spending time with your loved ones is something that people everywhere look forward to during the end-of-year months and it is generally considered to be a fun and festive occasion.
However, it can also be a time of hectic, last-minute present buying and people rushing around like headless chickens. This has put a dark twist on the occasion, with consequential collisions, as Christmas Eve has been revealed as the most dangerous day for parking. So, be careful on the roads this Christmas! In general, Fridays in December and January are the riskiest days to be out and about in your vehicle.
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Why is Christmas Eve so dangerous?
Admiral car insurance has compiled data from the past nine years and found that the Christmas season is the most treacherous. Winter is always considered dangerous for driving due to poor weather leading to wet and slick roads. In car parks specifically, there are many more accidents on Christmas Eve and this day is reported as especially dangerous due to the last-minute Christmas rush. A combination of darker days, slippery roads, unpredictable weather and a lot more cars being around leads to an inevitable increase in accidents.
What factors influence Christmas crashes?
It has been reported that the week between Christmas and New Year is often the deadliest for drivers and there are a few factors that contribute to this. Being unprepared for wet weather and not having enough respect for how dangerous these conditions can be is a big cause of accidents in winter months.
Aside from bad weather including heightened rainfall, snow and even potential blizzards over the winter months, the days surrounding Christmas are also rife with speeding and distracted driving. Visiting your family might mean having an unusual amount of people in the car. Your passengers may be especially loud or excitable leading to distractions, especially during the festive season.
Another unfortunate reason for the increase in accidents is alcohol. It is suggested that there is more drunk driving over the holiday period, which results in a much higher number of accidents.
How to reduce risk when driving over Christmas
Nobody wants a crash at any time of year, and especially not during what is supposed to be the happiest season. So, to avoid any unfortunate incidents this year, the best thing to do is make sure your car is roadworthy and safety considered. You should also be extra cautious and try to pre-empt any possible disasters.
A well-maintained vehicle is a lot safer, let alone more reliable. It only takes a few minutes to do the basic checks – top up engine coolant, check the oil and make sure the tyre pressure is ok.
Christmas is a great time of year, but it often brings stress and a lack of sleep for those who are bustling around endeavouring to make things perfect for the big day. Try to get a good night’s sleep and never become complacent when you are behind the wheel – a car can be a very dangerous machine, so make sure you are always paying attention!
Reverse cameras and parking sensors could help to prevent any unfortunate incidents. When it comes to hectic car parks filled with busy, distracted drivers, any help is essential. No matter how careful you are, other people can be unpredictable.
