Watch out .. this weekend is ‘most dangerous’ on roads

Insurance specialist Admiral looked at data from more than 2 million accidents reported over the past 18 years and found more accidents happen on December 17th compared with any other date of the year. It also emerged the second worst date for accidents is the following day, December 18th, making this weekend the riskiest of the year.

Admiral managing director Dave Halliday said: “It’s difficult to say for definite why these dates in particular have historically seen such a high number of accidents. The weather could definitely be a factor as there can be difficult driving conditions in December but at the same time, not every December over the last 18 years has had snow.

“A more likely explanation is that with just a week to go before Christmas many people have a lot on their minds and simply aren’t concentrating on the road.”

The analysis of accident claims also revealed Friday is the most dangerous day of the week for motorists, with Sunday the safest. In fact, as the week progresses, the more likely an accident is going to happen. The least number of accidents happen on a Sunday and the numbers gradually increase until they reach a peak on a Friday.

Dave continued: “It’s less surprising to see the worst day of the week for accidents is a Friday as people are tired after a long week at work and can easily get caught up thinking about their weekend plans instead of the road ahead. It’s really interesting to see the likelihood of an accident gets higher as the week goes on. We just want to remind people to take care on the road whatever the day or date.”

So, what about the safest dates for our roads? Unsurprisingly Admiral found the least number of accidents happen on 29th February. Considering it only occurs every four years this is pretty much to be expected!

It makes sense the rest of the dates which see the least accidents are those when the UK roads are at their quietest, for example Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.