Data from Admiral Car Insurance has revealed that December 4th is the worst day of the year to be on the roads.
Analysis of 10 years of Admiral’s own insurance claims show more accidents are registered on this day than any other date.
In fact, of the top 10 dates with the most accidents in the year, 70% fall within December, and all are within the darker winter months (November, December and January).
Top 10 dates for accident claims
Rank
Day
1
4th December
2
1st December
3
30th November
4
5th December
5
18th January
6
20th December
7
14th December
8
27th November
9
10th December
10
18th December
Admiral is urging people to be more cautious on the roads with the shorter days and poor weather conditions, especially during the build up to Christmas.
“We know the winter months can bring some of the most difficult situations for motorists to try and navigate, and this probably plays a part in the number of accidents we see taking place on the road at this time of year,” said Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral Car Insurance.
“On top of that, the lead up to Christmas can be a stressful time, with many of us having a long list of things to do, and places to be so it’s especially important drivers are well prepared for any trip they make over the festive period.”
England’s best Christmas markets for electric vehicle drivers have been revealed in a new study, according to new research.
With Christmas market stalls being readied across the country, Peugeot UK researched which markets most suitable for EV drivers.
Manchester Christmas Market topped the rankings, followed by Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Leeds’ Winter Favourites.
Using Visit England’s research of 14 popular Christmas markets in England, Peugeot compared how many of the markets could be driven to using the 225-mile range of the Peugeot e-208 from the 15 most populated cities in the UK.
The research also ranked how many public charging points were within a three-mile radius of the centre, as well as the charging speeds available, while accommodation options that offered free charging were also scored.
All top 10 Christmas markets, apart from Padstow’s Christmas Festival in Cornwall, were accessible from at least nine of the UK’s most populated cities.
Manchester’s Christmas Market was found to be the most accessible, with 14 cities in the UK within the 225-mile range of the market. Manchester also had the highest number of charging stations within a three-mile radius of the city centre, with 69 available, including 16 rapid chargers with speeds above 50kW.
The study also considered the number of accommodation options within three miles of the city centre that offer free charging for EV drivers, such as hotel chains and B&Bs, with York topping the tables, offering 19 with free chargers.
Top 10 Christmas markets in England for electric car drivers
1. Manchester Christmas Market
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
3. Leeds’ Winter Favourites 2022
4. York St Nicholas Fair
5. Lincoln Christmas Market
6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
6. Bath Christmas Market
7. Norwich Christmas Market
8. Chester Christmas Market
9. Rochester Christmas Market
9. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market Festival
10. Padstow Christmas Festival
“With more than a million electric drivers on UK roads today, things like distance and charging infrastructure will play an important role in determining where drivers head to this Christmas,” said Julie David, Managing Director, Peugeot UK.
One in five drivers avoid the roads altogether during the colder months due to concerns over slippery roads and limited visibility.
However, anxieties about driving aren’t limited to the winter — with a third (32 per cent) of adults admitting they don’t like driving in the dark all year round.
And 21 per cent of drivers said they dislike driving on country roads the most, followed by motorways as a close second (18 per cent).
While 14 per cent of motorists said city centre roads make them feel uneasy and 13 per cent hate roundabouts.
The research of 2,000 motorists, commissioned by Zego, also found that 62 per cent would not like to be a delivery driver during the winter and Christmas period, especially having to drive in such difficult conditions.
Nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) are planning on doing their Christmas shopping online this year to avoid having to drive to the shops in the winter weather.
A massive 79 per cent said road traffic accidents they have experienced had put them off driving in the winter months, with more than half saying they are more cautious when driving in harsher conditions like heavy rain or snow.
“It is interesting to see how so many people hate driving through the winter months,” said Sten Saar, CEO of the commercial motor insurer.
“There are more cars on the road because of the Christmas period which naturally means there are more accidents. The weather conditions in particular don’t help.
“It is important to be cautious this time of year and to think about those who have no choice but to drive in such conditions because of their job.
“We are proud to insure the couriers who supply and feed us throughout the darker months, working a job many of us would be scared to do.”
We’ve teamed up with road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist to offer a selection of safer driving tips for the 12 days of Christmas.
The pressures of the festive season mean it’s often easy to let good habits slip, so now is an ideal time to remember the importance of staying safe on our holiday journeys.
Brushing up on these 12 sensible reminders for safer driving could make the difference between a wonderful Christmas and a not-so-happy ending….
1) Think ahead and book a taxi home. If you’re going to be out celebrating this Christmas, there is one simple rule to remember – drink OR drive. Don’t drive if you’re drinking, and don’t drink if you’re driving.
2) Always wear your seatbelt. Wearing your seatbelt, as a driver or passenger, is the single most effective way to save your life or reduce your injuries if you’re involved in a crash. So, no matter how far you’re driving, always belt up.
3) Keep excited children safe. It’s really important to ensure children are visible if they’re walking by dark roads. And if you’re all in the car, make sure everyone’s seatbelt (and restraint) are correctly fitted… even the older children who you would usually trust to do so themselves.
4) Driving home for Christmas? Plan your journeys in advance. Nobody wants to get caught out in traffic or bad weather, so a little advance planning goes a long way. If the weather’s bad, postpone a trip if possible. Listen to weather forecasts to avoid getting caught out by sudden changes in the conditions.
5) Slow down this Christmas. At this time of year, we often find ourselves rushing from one place to another. But when it comes to driving, rushing can do more harm than good. No one else can tell you how fast to drive – it’s your responsibility. So stay safe, give yourself plenty of time and space to stop if you need to.
6) Don’t drive tired. Think about how you’re feeling before you hit the road. Maybe you’ve been out celebrating or up until the early hours wrapping gifts – whatever the reason, if you’re tired then please don’t drive. Fatigued drivers take longer to react to hazards. Reduce festive fatigue by building in time for breaks on journeys. Also, share the driving if possible.
7) Taking medication? Be ready to stay out of the driving seat if you’re using medicines that could make you drowsy, as these can impair your ability to react to hazards. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to be on illegal drugs to be unfit to drive. Always check the label for warnings, and if unsure please arrange for somebody else to take the wheel.
8) Check your tyres before setting off. Every safety system on your car depends on your tyres working effectively in an emergency. Well-maintained tyres can save your life, so take no risks and check them before you set off, particularly on long journeys.
9) Steer away from e-scooter gifts. They may look fun and fast, but privately-owned e-scooters can only be used on private land – not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements… something to consider carefully if you’re thinking about buying one as a gift this Christmas.
10) Banish festive family distractions. Long car journeys can be tedious and often require a bit of effort to keep everyone entertained. As driver, reduce the risk of distractions by encouraging passengers – especially children – to let you focus on the driving. In return, give them the chance to let off steam during a break or at journey’s end.
11) Watch out for kids on new bikes. A new bike is a popular gift at Christmas and what child can resist a spin on a smart new set of wheels? As a driver, expect to think – and act – for others who are less aware of risk.
12) New mobile phone for Christmas? Lucky you! But please remember not to use it when you’re driving. Focus solely on the journey and reduce your risks, and save your scrolling until you’re safely parked with the engine off and the key out.
A MINI Electric, wrapped in 2,000 smart LED lights by Twinkly, is starting a five-week tour to spread Christmas cheer and raise money for three charities.
Lighting the way after the Festive MINI Electric’s first public appearance at The Lexicon Bracknell in Berkshire, on the 25th November, the car will travel to various locations around the UK, driven by project creator Nicholas ‘Nico’ Martin.
The project started more than three years ago, with Nico hand-wrapping his MINI in fairy-lights and displaying it in his local town of Bracknell.
However, in December 2020, without the usual Christmas switch-on displays delivering much-needed festive spirit, Nico realised he could use the Festive MINI to bring joy and positivity to people on their own doorsteps, whilst also raising awareness and more than £5,000 for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK, two charities very close to his heart.
“I’m so pleased to be back with the Festive MINI charity tour,” said Nico. “Both charities mean a lot to me – unfortunately my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis six years ago, and in 2019 I was asked to take the Festive MINI to surprise an incredible young boy, Marcus Rooks, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“When I saw his face light up with so much joy and excitement, I realised that I had created something truly special. Ever since meeting him and learning about his condition, I’ve wanted to support him in any way I can.”
This year, Nico has introduced a guest charity spot taken up by Alzheimer’s Society and he has rallied support from MINI UK, Festive Lights and Italian smart lighting company Twinkly, to up the voltage on his project and make it bigger and better than ever.
