Move over manic Monday, terrible Tuesdays the most common day for car accidents

Tuesdays are the most dangerous day to drive cars, according to new data analysis by LeasePlan UK. In fact, statistical analysis by the vehicle management group has found that 18 per cent of accidents involving company cars, occur on the second day of the working week. The result? Damages from fault and non-fault incidents cost companies upwards of £2.8 million over the last year, just for this day alone.

With three million company cars on the roads; an estimated one in three will be involved in an accident each year. The evening rush hour 3-6pm, is the most common time for accidents and January with its combination of poor light and low sun along with icy and wet roads presents some of the most challenging driving conditions for motorists.

According to the new data collected over the last 12 months, Fords are most likely to be involved in accidents, followed by BMWs and Volkswagens. These incidents are also, on average, costing businesses £16.1 million annually, with vehicles spending 10 days off the road for repairs.

Chris Black, commercial director at LeasePlan UK, said: “It’s hugely important to stay as safe as possible on the roads this winter. By taking the necessary precautions before you set out on your journey from checking your route to giving your car a quick once over; topping up fluids and air in tyres – you can greatly reduce your risk of an accident.

“In 2016, road accidents cost the UK economy £4.6bn due to lost economic output. Whilst all of us hope to never be involved in a traffic incident, it’s important for drivers to be aware of what to do and how to act.”

With nearly 25,000 drivers seriously injured in 2017 in road traffic accidents, it’s likely drivers will either experience or be involved in an incident at some point in their lives. If this happens, LeasePlan UK has created a set of tips to help drivers know what to do in the event of an accident:

• Make sure you stop – If you have accidently caused damage or personal injury to another vehicle, an animal or a property – even if it wasn’t your fault – you must stop in a safe place.
• Check for injuries and danger – If anyone involved is injured or in immediate danger, call the emergency services as soon as possible. Be sure not to put yourself at any undue risk in order to help.
• Stay clear – If an accident has occurred, it is best to get yourself out of the way as quickly and safely as possible. Blocking traffic or standing in the middle of the road is dangerous and can cause another accident.
• Share your details – If anyone else has been involved with this incident, it is within your right to ask for the owner of the vehicle’s name and contact details – along with the name of their insurer. If they refuse to share these details, then the incident must be reported to the police.
• Remain calm – No matter how upset you are, remain civil. If no one is hurt, that really trumps everything else; property damage or financial loss can be repaired or made up later. Don’t say or do something you may later regret.
• Take pictures – One last piece of advice; take a couple of photos of the scene (once safe to do so), as when you’re talking it through with your insurer it’ll help piece the events together, or as evidence if needed.