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Released: 10th Oct 2009

15% jump in October crashes as motorists forget basics in the wet

Motorists’ failure to adjust from ‘summer driving mode’ remains a key factor in the 15 percent leap in road accidents during October.

The warning from leading accident management company, Accident Exchange, comes as the first heavy rain of the autumn combines with early leaf fall and greasy road surfaces to create potentially treacherous conditions.

Stopping distances on wet and slippery roads can double those of dry conditions – a vehicle travelling at 40mph will need up to 72 metres to come to a stop. “Unfortunately, it seems drivers are not immediately modifying their driving styles to suit the autumnal weather,” explains Gordon Grant of Accident Exchange.

Based on historic data, the accident specialist expects 15 percent more incidents in October compared to the monthly average for the previous six months (Apr-Sept) with a full 21% more reported accidents than August. During the same comparative period, the Department for Transport reported a 14 % rise in car crash fatalities on UK roads.

Grant adds: “October delivers some of the worst driving conditions of the year as the weather changes and the clocks go back, but drivers continue to drive as if they were in the summer months. Motorists need to remember the basic laws of physics and common sense when the conditions under tyre change.”

In 2008, Accident Exchange reported more vehicles accidents in October than any other month – approximately 9% of all incidents for the year.

ENDS

Editors Notes:

The average number of accidents reported by Accident Exchange between Apr-Sept 2006-2008 was 3,587 compared with 4,210 in October. October experiences 14.82% more accidents than the average of April-September.

Accident Exchange reported an average 3,295 accidents in August from 2006-2008.

Road Casualties in Great Britain http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics

Source Transport Research Laboratory, UK, 2007, © Road Safety Authority, 2007 http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/speed-limits/speed-limits_stopping-distances-cars.html

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