As the Christmas shopping frenzy starts to increase so do car park collisions according to new data from SGIC*.
The insurer's claims data showed that last year in SA, car park collisions in December spiked by 24 per cent above the annual average and Friday was the most common day for a car park collision.
SGIC spokesperson Tracy Woodley said the lead-up to Christmas is busy enough without adding the stress of a collision.
"Research shows that 65 per cent of SA drivers get stressed when trying to find a car park during the Christmas rush so we want to urge shoppers to try and stay calm while at the wheel**.
"Stress can affect your concentration and losing focus for even one second, puts you at greater risk of having a collision.
"We also want to encourage drivers to obey the parking rules and get into the Christmas spirit by being considerate and alert for other drivers when circling the car park.
"Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles.
"With Christmas around the corner, we're calling for shoppers to allow for extra time and to take it easy while at the wheel to help keep your Christmas cheer," said Ms Woodley.
SGIC Car Insurance offers some tips for a less stressful Christmas parking experience:
* Based on SGIC Comprehensive Car Insurance claims FY 10 / 11
** Based on a survey of 470 SA drivers by Pure Profile research in October 2011