Your Driving Safety - Christmas Car Accident Rate Falling, But Snow And Ice Still Takes Its Toll Says AA Insurance

The number of car accident insurance claims seems to be moderating with warmer weather approaching from the south, although yesterday (23 December) was the second-busiest day for claims during the present cold snap. The previous high was 644 on Monday 21 December.

New snowfalls in Scotland, Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire; and black ice along the south coast took their toll of skids and bumps. 529 claims were registered, of which nearly half (244 claims, 48%) were directly related to snow and ice.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, says: “Black ice was a significant feature of claims yesterday with several claims coming from the M27 corridor, particularly Southampton, Bournemouth, and the West Country.

“Black ice is literally a hidden enemy: the road simply looks damp and for drivers, it’s often too late when they realise that there is ice between their tyres and the road. An adverse camber or gradient; a dab on the brakes or other sudden movement can send a car sliding completely out of control. It’s as if the car is being controlled by someone else: you’re almost completely helpless once a slide starts.”

The number of accident claims has moderated as temperatures rise in the south, with snow and ice beginning to melt. However, by mid-day on Christmas Eve 160 new claims had been received, of which 69 are related to snow and ice (43 per cent).

Many drivers have heeded advice to delay their Christmas travel plans if their route is affected by adverse weather. “The worst of the weather seems to be receding in many parts of England, reducing the risk of a collision due to icy conditions – although Scotland is still in a tight wintry grip. “Caution is vital – it’s far better to delay your journey and arrive late, but safe,” says Douglas.