Driving home for Christmass? Avoid the crush - X-mas season most dangerous time of year

19th December 2007

• December 20th is most dangerous day on th
• X-Mas week is most dangerous week on the roads
• Dublin, Cork and Galway more dangerous than other counties

The Christmas season, and particularly the 20th December, is the most dangerous time of year on the roads in Ireland according to new research. Hibernian has analysed insurance claims records going back to 2004 and identified some clear trends on road safety and accidents. The analysis shows that Hibernian, which insures 460,000 motorists in Ireland, records more accidents on 20th December than any other day of the year. It also shows that more accidents are recorded during the week of 14th to 22nd December than any other week in the year.

The week before Christmas has consistently shown an increase of up to 40% in motor claims made to Hibernian. Last year (2006) Hibernian recorded a total of 223 motor accidents on 20 December making it the most dangerous day of the year on our roads. This was a significant increase on the previous year when 167 accidents were recorded.

And it’s not only motorists who are at greatest risk at this time of year. December is also the month when most accidents involving pedestrians occur with 10% of pedestrian related accidents occurring between 11pm and 3am. In the vast majority of these accidents 92% of the pedestrians involved were intoxicated highlighting that alcohol poses a risk to all road users, not just motorists.

Hibernian has also made a county-by-county analysis of its claims data for 2006 to highlight any regional issues. This shows that there are a greater than expected number of accidents in Dublin, Cork and Galway with fewer than expected number of accidents in Tipperary, Donegal and Kerry. Nonetheless, drivers all over the country should be extra careful on the roads.

According to Dick O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Hibernian: “The research findings have illustrated a huge jump in claims in the week leading up to Christmas Day which should be a time of great rejoice and celebration. The fact that this period is among the riskiest for road users highlights the need for people to pay extra attention to their road use. The message to all drivers and pedestrians is to take extra care during this particularly busy time on Irish roads so they can make it home safely.”

It is necessary for everyone’s safety to take extra care over this busy time on the roads. Hibernian has offered the following tips to drivers and pedestrians to ensure they are road-safe this Christmas:

• Ensure weather conditions are safe before making your journey.
• Clean your windscreen and all windows. Make sure your washer fluid is     topped up and that it has a winter additive to stop it freezing.
• Check that all lights, brake lights and indicators are working properly.
• Ensure that your tyres are in good condition, with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, and that they are at the correct pressure.
• If driving a long distance keep yourself alert by taking a break every     few hours.
• Watch your speed.
• Never use the roads when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Pedestrians should look carefully before crossing the road.
• Pedestrians should only cross at designated crossing areas and avoid crossing in between cars.
• Pedestrians should wear bright clothing to ensure they are visible to drivers.

Media Contacts:

Alan Tyrrell @ 01 - 898 5452 / 086 - 8508673

Maura McBride @ 01 - 898 5574

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