Young Drivers Twice as Likely to Have Accident in Winter Months
With Ireland’s coldest winter week embarking, motorists should expect a more frightful than delightful winter. Temperatures are set to plummet across the country as winter chiefs warn the cold snap is likely to cause more travel chaos due to icy roads and freezing fog.
Ireland’s leading telematics dedicated Insurer, Boxymo.ie, are urging young drivers to take extra care in the gruelling conditions. This comes as Boxymo.ie’s 2016 analysis revealed that reported accidents increased by an astounding 41.61% amongst drivers during the winter months.
Gary McClarty, Managing Director and Road Safety Manager for Boxymo.ie says: “Last year we saw an incredibly large amount of accidents during the winter months, but sadly this year does not stand alone. We also compared the number of accidents during winter months for the previous two years, concluding that reported accidents increased by an astonishing 69.6% in winter 2014, and by 53.1% for 2015. If we take an average over the past 3 years, young drivers are therefore 54.8% more likely to have an accident during the winter months.
These reports prove just how challenging it can be for motorists driving in much trickier winter conditions. The skies are dark, the temperatures are low and the likeliness of ice and snow increases risk for all road users, specifically young and inexperienced drivers.”
As per Newspress, around 700,000 motorists pass their practical driving test each year and for many driving in the harsher winter weather conditions will be a first. In a bid to help, Boxymo.ie have assembled some tips and advice for driving in winter.
Boxymo.ie’s Top Winter Driving Tips
Drive slowly
Keep your distance from the vehicle in front
Avoid harsh breaking, and accelerate and decelerate slowly
Use the highest gear possible
Use dipped headlights
Check your tyres
Keep antifreeze levels topped up
Keep a torch and de-icer in the car
Don't stop or power-up going up a hill
Be more aware of other road users
Stay home
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