Drivers at risk on bank holiday Friday

Seán McCárthaigh

One of Ireland’s biggest motor insurance companies, Hibernian Insurance has revealed that the number of insurance claims increases significantly in relation to accidents that occur on bank holiday Fridays.

The data comes as gardaí launch a road safety campaign this weekend, which will target motorists leaving pubs and nightclubs for drink-driving offences. Five people were killed and 94 injured in road traffic accidents this time last year.

However, the survey shows that the pre-Christmas period is the worst for accidents followed closely by the Fridays.

“There is on average a 35% increase in the number of accidents reported to Hibernian on these days compared to a regular day,” said the company’s director of claims, John Gregan.

Although more crashes occur during the winter 75% of fatal accidents happen in dry weather conditions. The fewest accidents occur on Sundays due to less traffic.

The survey says cocky and over-confident drivers pose a real danger to other road-users.

Although 92% of motorists claim they are confident behind the wheel and 82% say they would pass their driving test if they sat it again, one-in-three “confident” drivers have been involved in an accident.

The survey also reveals that more than half of all motorists don’t know the new km/h speed limit since the changeover last January.

“Obviously no one likes to admit that they are a bad driver. However, we have been surprised by what seems to be motorists’ misplaced confidence on the roads,” said Mr Gregan.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists estimates that a lot of drivers would fail the test second time round.

“Many experienced drivers think that they drive better than they do and believe they will never have an accident,” said IAM’s Mike Kavanagh.

On a more positive note, the survey indicates an improvement in driving habits as the number of car accident claims only rose by 5% over the past decade, even though traffic volumes increased by 61%.

It also shows that three-quarters of all motorists would favour harsher punishments in excess of the current maximum fine of E2,500 and five penalty points for drivers caught without insurance.