Hark the Herald car park ding

20 December 2013

As the Christmas shopping frenzy moves up a notch so do car park collisions according to new data from SGIC Insurance*.

The insurer’s claims data showed that car park collisions in December spiked by 13 per cent above the annual average and Friday was the most common day for a car park collision. SGIC Insurance spokesperson Mariana Cidade said the lead up to Christmas sees many of us on the road and in shopping centre car parks at all hours of the day.

“The quick dash to the shopping centre to collect a last minute gift may cost you more than you think if you end up involved in a collision. “Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles. 

“We also want to urge drivers 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. “With Christmas around the corner, we’re calling for shoppers to allow for extra time and to drive carefully in the car park to help keep your Christmas cheer,” said Ms Cidade.

SGIC Insurance offers some tips for the pre-Christmas rush: 

  • Obey the parking rules and traffic directions and be alert for other drivers who don’t
  • 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
  • Do your bit by returning shopping trolleys 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 hit 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

* Based on SGIC Comprehensive Car Insurance claims FY 12/13

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