RAC is urging Christmas shoppers to practice patience when navigating carparks, as data reveals 23 and 24 December were the worst days in 2021 for carpark prangs.
RAC Claims Compliance and Assurance Manager Glen Walker said 133 claims were lodged for carpark crashes on 23 December in 2021, the highest on record and more than double the daily average.
“We continue to see spikes for vehicle damage in carparks in the lead up to Christmas, where shoppers already low on patience battle large crowds to pick-up last-minute gifts,” Mr Walker said.
“Navigating busy shopping centre carparks can be challenging during the festive season, with most bingles involving reversing cars, trolleys or other obstacles, such as poles and railings.”
“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 you can, try to avoid carparks altogether by catching public transport instead.”
The chaos isn’t just limited to carparks, with RAC data showing 7,860 insurance claims were lodged for car crashes in December 2021 – more than any other month of the year and nearly 1,000 more than December 2020.
“On average, 253 crash claims were lodged every day in December last year – that’s 10 per cent higher than the 2021 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 car park crash:
- Consider catching public transport if possible
- Allow extra time to find a car park
- Slow down and follow car park 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
- Ensure there is a safe distance between you and the car in front or reversing
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Media contact: Olivia Palmer, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
