Beware of car park dings this Christmas in SA

21 December 2015

As the Christmas shopping frenzy starts to increase, so do car park collisions according to data released today from SGIC Insurance.

The insurer’s claims data revealed that last year in South Australia, car park collisions in December increased by 18 per cent above the annual average, with Thursday being the most common day for a car park collision*.

“The quick dash to the shopping centre to buy a last minute gift may cost you more than you think if you end up involved in a collision,” said SGIC Insurance Head of Research, Robert McDonald.

“Typical parking collisions involved hitting other cars, runaway shopping trolleys, or scraping pylons and poles, with 46 per cent of car park collisions occurring while reversing."

“We 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. Stress can affect your concentration and losing focus for even a second puts you at a greater risk of having a collision.”

For a less stressful Christmas parking experience, SGIC Insurance offers the following tips: 

  • Obey the parking rules and traffic directions and be alert for other drivers who don’t
  • Drive slowly and look out for distracted shoppers
  • When reversing in or out of a car space, go slow and don’t just rely on your mirrors – look over your shoulder as well
  • Reversing cameras and sensors can help, but drivers should still be aware of what’s around them
  • If you can, reverse into a car space, so it’s easier to see in both directions when pulling out
  • Watch out for stray shopping trolleys and do your bit by returning them to their bay
  • Use indicators every time you make a turn
  • Don’t pull out around cars that are waiting to drive into a parking space – be patient and give them room to move
  • If you damage a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details
  • If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party

“With Christmas around the corner, we’re calling for shoppers to allow for extra time and to take it easy while at the wheel when navigating car parks,” said Mr McDonald.

* Based on SGIC Insurance Comprehensive Car Insurance claims FY 14/15

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