If yesterday’s ‘Blue Monday’ – apparently the most depressing day of the year – wasn’t enough to worry about, today brings new challenges for motorists.
Detailed analysis of data spanning a decade has found 18 January is one of the most dangerous days for drivers.
The data, compiled by Admiral Motor Insurance, shows 33 percent more claims are made on this day compared with the average across the year.
In the bleak midwinter
Admiral analysed insurance claim data covering the period from 2012 to the end of 2021. Claims for fire, theft, malicious damage and windscreen damage were excluded from the numbers crunched.
The top 10 days with the greatest volume of insurance accident claims were all found in winter months. Spanning November to February, the most dangerous dates identified by Admiral are:
- 18 January
- 5 December
- 4 December
- 16 January
- 28 February
- 1 December
- 18 December
- 1 February
- 30 November
- 14 December
Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral, said: “More of us travel by car in the colder months, so combine that with wetter weather and icier road conditions and driving becomes more risky in the winter.”
‘Poor weather and stressed drivers’
Connelly added: “Our claims analysis from the last 10 years found more road accidents happen on 18 January than on any other date, with around 33 percent more claims on this day compared with the average day throughout the year. Poor weather combined with busier roads and stressed drivers, as we return from the Christmas break, could all be contributing factors.
“While November and December are overall the most treacherous months, with the most accidents, January 18 is overall the date of the year we see the highest number of accident claims.”
Tips from Admiral for reducing the risk of a winter collision include leaving plenty of time for your journey, along with mapping out the best route to take in advance.
We also have our own winter driving guide, with tips to keep you safe on the road.
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