Call for caution amidst festive surge in car park collisions
Published | 7 December 2023
Tasmanian drivers are being encouraged to take it easy this festive season, as shoppers are revealed to be 20 per cent more prone to car park collisions in December than any other month.
RACT Chief Insurance Officer Paul Sofronoff said car parks on Risdon Road, New Town, Best Street, Devonport, Racecourse Crescent, Launceston and Bligh Street, Rosny were the epicentres of festive fender-benders.
“These four car parks have seen up to a 60 per cent surge in parked incidents during December, compared to the January to October period over the past seven years,” Mr Sofronoff said.
“We cover one-third of the state’s insurance needs, and since 2016, we’ve seen a consistent 20 per cent rise in parking accidents during the holiday season.
“Simultaneously, claims for windscreen damage also increased by 20 per cent, indicative of heightened activity amidst the Christmas festivities.
“Notably, two-thirds of these parking incidents happen within car parks, with local grocery stores emerging as the most common battlegrounds,” he said.
Breaking down the data, Bligh Street in Rosny witnessed a 60 per cent surge, while Devonport, Launceston, and New Town reported increases of 33 per cent, 28 per cent, and 27 per cent, respectively.
Mr Sofronoff attributed the spikes to the sometimes-chaotic nature of busy shopping centres during the holiday season.
“Busy shopping centres can mean crazy car parks, unfortunately translating to increased incidents,” he said.
“We urge everyone to exercise patience behind the wheel, navigate cautiously, and take it slow to ensure pedestrian safety, especially while reversing.
“Where possible, we recommend avoiding peak shopping hours and taking advantage of extended shopping hours when possible.
“In the unfortunate event of an incident, check the area, ensure everyone's safe, exchange details, involve the police if necessary, remove any traffic hazards, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before leaving.
“We'd also encourage everyone, irrespective of their insurer, to revisit their insurance policies and ensure they’re adequately covered for any mishap.”
For more safe driving tips, head to ract.com.au