RAC is urging shoppers to keep calm in the carpark this festive season, as new data reveals last Christmas Eve was the worst day for carpark prangs on record.
RAC Insurance Claims Manager Glen Walker said 120 claims were lodged for carpark crashes on December 24 in 2020, the highest on record and the third year in a row where Christmas eve was the worst day of the year for carpark prangs.
“We tend to see a spike in claims for carpark prangs in the lead up to Christmas, with most of these involving reversing cars, trolleys or other obstacles, such as poles and railings,” Mr Walker said.
“Navigating busy shopping centre carparks can be challenging at the best of times, but particularly when shoppers are low on patience and battling large crowds to pick-up last-minute gifts.
“To avoid a Christmas prang, shoppers should allow extra time to find a park, check their mirrors and blind spots before reversing, and keep a look out for pedestrians, other cars and runaway shopping trolleys.
“If possible, choosing an alternative to driving, such as public transport, is a great way to avoid the stress of a busy carpark.”
The Christmas chaos isn’t just limited to carparks, with data showing 6,929 insurance claims were lodged for car crashes in December 2020 – more than any other month of the year.
“On average, there were over 223 crash claims every day in December last year – that’s 20 per cent higher than the 2020 daily average,” Mr Walker said.
“The festive season is one of the busiest and most stressful times on our roads, so we urge drivers to be patient and considerate to ensure everyone has a safe and stress-free Christmas.”
RAC’s tips to reduce your risk of a Christmas carpark crash:
- Consider catching public transport if possible
- Allow extra time to find a carpark
- Slow down and follow carpark speed limits
- Choose a parking bay away from an entrance and exit where there is high pedestrian activity, shopping trolleys and congestion
- Take extra care when reversing and don’t rely solely on your mirrors
- Use your indicators to signal your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians
- Turn on your headlights in dark and underground carparks
- Return your trolley to a trolley bay to avoid inconveniencing other drivers
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
