‘Tis the season for SA car park collisions

11 December 2014

With Christmas cheer almost here, SGIC Insurance is calling for SA drivers to take extra care when hitting the shops as car park collisions spike in December.

SGIC Insurance claims data for NSW last year has revealed that car park collisions in December increased by 15 per cent above the annual average, with Thursday being the most common day for a car park collision, closely followed by Friday*.

SGIC Insurance spokesperson Mariana Cidade said the lead up to Christmas sees more traffic on the road and in shopping centre car parks.

“We understand that Christmas and the holiday period is already a busy time, so it’s important drivers remain calm at the wheel and courteous on roads and in car parks. Stress can affect your concentration and losing focus for even one second puts you at a greater risk of having a collision.

“Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles.

“We’re calling for shoppers to drive carefully this festive season and to avoid denting your Christmas spirit in the car park,” said Ms Cidade.

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
  • 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 13/14

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