Don't Dent Your Christmas Spirit In The Car Park According To SGIO Data

Online, December 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - As the Christmas shopping frenzy starts to increase so do car park collisions according to new data from SGIO*.

SGIOCar Insuranceclaims data showed that last year in WA, car park collisions in December spiked by 10 per cent above the annual average and Thursday was the most common day for a car park collision.

SGIO spokesperson Tracy Woodley said the lead-up to Christmas is busy enough without adding the stress of a collision.

"Research shows that 62 per cent of WA drivers get stressed when trying to find a car park during the Christmas rush so we want to urge shoppers 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.

"We also 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.

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

"With Christmas around the corner, we're calling for shoppers to allow for extra time and to take it easy while at the wheel to help keep your Christmas cheer," said Ms Woodley.

SGIO offers some tips for a less stressful Christmas parking experience:
• 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 SGIO Comprehensive Car Insurance claims FY 10/11

** Based on a survey of 440 WA drivers by Pure Profile research in October 2011

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
02 9292 9742