Saturday lunchtime proves to be the commonest time for a collision throughout faculty holidays

With the college 12 months coming to an finish, Aviva is urging drivers to take warning when driving this summer time.

The warning comes as motor claims information from January-December 2023 reveals the commonest instances for a collision in the course of the faculty holidays. In response to the information, collisions sometimes peak throughout lunch hours, with Saturday from 1-2pm rating prime, carefully adopted by Friday from 12-1pm and Saturday from 12-1pm.

The highest 5 instances of day with the best variety of collisions

Martin Smith, Motor Claims Supervisor at Aviva, says: “Though weekends are sometimes a time for enjoyable, our analysis reveals that Saturday brunch appears to be the commonest time for a collision in the course of the summer time holidays.

“Though it’s arduous to pinpoint precisely why that is the case, one rationalization might be that drivers are dashing to get to their vacation spot, be it an area staycation, tenting retreats, youngsters’s vacation golf equipment or out of doors actions.

“Driving throughout faculty holidays could really feel overwhelming and paired with a rise of individuals on the roads extra typically, it may create an ideal storm for a collision.

“We’d urge drivers to be ready, take away all distractions, and at all times observe the velocity restrict. Small modifications – equivalent to planning a journey beforehand – could make the world of distinction relating to driving extra safely.”

Aviva’s prime recommendations on driving safely this summer time embrace

1. Plan your route. Earlier than setting off, take the time to plan your route and consider any stops you could must make, whether or not it’s for consolation or to cost your automotive. If you happen to’re on an extended journey, stopping frequently may also help forestall driver fatigue. Tuning into your native radio station beforehand may also assist keep away from any congested areas and last-minute diversions.
2. Pack an emergency package in case you break down. Preparation is essential. Useful issues to maintain in your automotive embrace a warning triangle, torch and batteries, cell phone and charger, breakdown membership card and tow rope, thick cardboard, or materials (for traction), out of doors garments and sun shades (for glare) in addition to a shovel and a blanket.
3. Examine your car. It’s good follow to bodily examine issues like tyres, lights, windscreen wipers, oil, brakes and coolant ranges earlier than you allow – particularly if you happen to’re planning to drive additional afield. A five-minute test might forestall you from both breaking down or having a possible driving incident/accident.
4. Take away distractions. Take into consideration what might distract you whereas behind the wheel. Change your telephone to ‘don’t disturb’ to keep away from any notifications distracting you whilst you drive and if you happen to’re taking any pets with you, be sure you fasten them in. Below Rule 57 of the Freeway Code, drivers should make it possible for canines or different animals are suitably restrained so they can not distract or injure themselves whereas driving and within the occasion of a sudden cease. In response to the foundations ‘seat belt harness, pet service, canine cage or canine guard are methods of restraining animals in automobiles.’
5. Don’t overpack your automotive. Consider carefully about what you’re packing and whether or not it’s important on your journey. Overloading your automotive can put a pressure on the tyres, suspension, and brakes, and never solely is it in opposition to the legislation, you could be unable to make a declare in your insurance coverage if you happen to had been discovered to have overloaded your car. Be sure any roof packing containers or bike racks are securely mounted too.

Extra info on the analysis might be discovered right here: https://www.aviva.co.uk/insurance coverage/motor/car-insurance/knowledge-centre/school-holidays-accidents/