AXA is warning that the 1st September has been the worst day of the summer season for motor accidents for three years running.
Last year saw the biggest spike, with a massive 40% more claims being made than on the average day in the rest of the summer holiday period.
This year, 1st September falls on a Saturday and the insurer is predicting that figures may be even higher, as people return home at the end of holidays on the last Saturday of the school summer holidays.
Sarah Vaughan, AXA’s motor director says: “We are particularly concerned this year that the ‘bogey’ date of 1st September also falls on a Saturday which is traditionally a big ‘switchover’ day for holidaymakers.”
She adds: “We would urge all motorists to take special care driving home and plan their journey to eliminate the stresses that often cause needless accidents.”
Axa’s ten top tips for getting home safely are:
Leave plenty of time for your journey.
Plan your route.
Once you know your route use a traffic information provider to check that there are no major problems along the way.
Factor in a break if you are on a long journey.
Make sure you have games/DVDs at the ready to keep the kids occupied – bored children are a big distraction.
Keep snacks and drinks in the car – dehydration and low blood sugar are not good for anyone but behind the wheel.
Carry out checks on your car before you leave – top up water, oil, tyres and petrol.
Check your breakdown cover and motor insurance is up to date and have the numbers readily available.
Set your phone to hands free before you set off.
If you can be flexible about when you leave, avoid 1st September!
Category: Axa Insurance News, Car Insurance News, Insurance News
