Be a Safe Driver this Autumn

01-Oct-2009

Motorists should take extra care this month, according to figures from Virgin Money Car Insurance showing that October is statistically the most dangerous month for drivers. Claims in this month are 25 per cent higher than the average, and a surprising 10.4 per cent of all car insurance claims happen in October, with the 20th of the month standing out as the most dangerous day of all.

Most car insurance claims are made in the last quarter of the year, a total of 30 per cent of the entire year's claims.  The relative danger of this Autumn-to-Winter period is put down to the earlier darkness, worse weather and the fact that as a result, driving conditions becoming more hazardous.  So what can you do in this perilous Autumn month to limit your chances to having to make a car insurance claim?

Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, said: "Traditionally Christmas time has been seen as the most dangerous time for drivers but our research shows that Autumn into Winter is treacherous for motorists.  Car owners should make sure that they regularly check fluid levels, including brake fluid, oil levels, coolant and screen wash. "

As well as making sure your car is fully topped up and comprehensively serviced though, you need to be on top form as a driver to ensure you are constantly on the alert for possible hazards.  According to a Department for Transport study, the top three causes of car accidents are failing to look properly, failing to correctly judge another driver's speed and driving carelessly due to being in a hurry. 

Don't rush

It sounds obvious, but always leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.  If you're going somewhere you have not been before, allow an additional 30 minutes on top of the Sat Nav recommendation - accurate as these gadgets usually are, they have been known to direct people into lakes in the past!  Leaving enough time for a comfortable journey will also reduce the urge to speed or to drive recklessly in order to gain some extra minutes.

Keep alert

Never drive tired, since this will impact on your reaction time and dull your concentration. Pull into a service station for a 20 minute nap wherever possible, and if this is not an option, turn up the air conditioning or open the window for a blast of fresh air.   It goes without saying that you should never, ever drink alcohol before driving.  If you're tempted, especially approaching the Christmas party season, leave your car and make other arrangements for getting home.

Don't make it easy for thieves

Most car theft and other car-related crime is opportunistic.  Fitting an immobiliser to your car actually makes it 10 times safer, according to Home Office research. Any other steps you can take to make your car less appealing to potential thieves, such as keeping your car in a garage and getting a wheel lock and car alarm fitted, will have the added bonus of reducing your car insurance premiums.  Also, park in well-lit areas wherever possible, to keep you and your vehicle safer.

Keep covered

Regardless of how careful you are, accidents will sometimes occur.  To ensure that you, your passengers and your car are fully covered in the event of a car accident, you should ideally have comprehensive car insurance.  Due to increased competition between car insurance providers, a comprehensive car insurance policy will often cost you as much or even less than a third party fire and theft car insurance policy, but with many more benefits.  When you consider the costs of repairing a vehicle, or of resolving a legal dispute with another driver, comprehensive car insurance is money well-spent.  Get a car insurance quote with up to eight weeks' free insurance a year.