October is auto accident hotspot

October is the most dangerous month on the roads with October 20th the worst day, according to Virgin Money Car Insurance

With the clocks due to go back later this month, motorists will be adjusting to darker days and harsher conditions as winter sets in. And all this adds up to make October the worst month for car claims,.

Virgin Money Car Insurance figures show that claims are 25% higher than the average, with 10.4% of all claims happening in October. The most dangerous day of October is the 20th.

Most car claims occur in the final three months of the year, accounting for 30% of all claims as the changing weather conditions and earlier darkness all affect driving conditions.

Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, said:

“Traditionally Christmas time has been seen as the most dangerous time for drivers but our research shows that Autumn into Winter is treacherous for motorists.”

“With the seasons changing, nights drawing in and driving conditions becoming hazardous, motorists should pay extra attention when driving and should make sure that they are equipped should they have an accident or breakdown.”

Meanwhile, the AA has warned drivers to be alert to a serious hazard that peaks during October and could cost unwary drivers over £1,400: deer strikes.

October sees a peak in deer collision claims as the autumn ‘rut’ takes place, when some species of deer are on the move to their breeding areas.

According to AA Insurance, the average claim payout for a deer strike is £1,403. Last year there were at least 42,500 reported deer strikes – costing insurers over £59 million.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance said:

“Deer are an often-unseen hazard until it’s too late. As darkness falls collisions happen with little or no warning as the animals may literally leap out of woodland into the road. But places where deer are most likely to be seen are indicated by triangular hazard warning signs showing an image of a deer.”

“At 60 miles per hour, hitting a deer is serious – not just for the animal but car occupants as well. A natural reaction is to try to avoid the collision but as a result, drivers may miss the deer and hit other vehicles or trees which could be even worse.”

“That high cost tells its own tale,” Douglas adds. “Cars can easily be written off in a collision with a deer and car occupants are often injured. Not only that, an increase in premium is likely to follow as some or all of any no-claim bonus will be lost, unless it’s protected.”