Now, we all know that driving can be a bit of an adventure at times, what with the potholes, the roundabouts, and the occasional wayward sheep. Did you know, though, that there are certain dates that are more accident-prone than others? Let's take a closer look.
Which are the most dangerous dates to be on the road?
First on the list, we have Friday the 13th. Yes, you read that right - Friday the 13th. According to a study by Confused.com, there is a 39% increase in car accidents on Friday the 13th compared to a typical day. Now, I'm not saying that we're all a superstitious bunch, but there is something about this date that seems to make people a bit more accident-prone. Perhaps it's the combination of bad luck and weekend partying that makes people a bit more reckless on the road. Or maybe it's just a coincidence. Either way, it's worth being extra cautious on this spooky day.
Next up, we have New Year's Day. Now, this one may not come as a surprise, what with all the partying and revelry that goes on the night before. According to the Department for Transport, there is a 50% increase in accidents involving alcohol on New Year's Day compared to a typical day. It's no secret that many people like to ring in the New Year with a few too many drinks, and unfortunately, this can lead to some rather dangerous driving. So, if you find yourself on the road on New Year's Day, be sure to keep your wits about you and watch out for those hungover revellers.
Moving on, we have Christmas Day. Now, this one may seem a bit surprising, what with all the joy and goodwill that surrounds the holiday season. However: believe it or not, Christmas Day is actually one of the most accident-prone days on the road. According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, there is a 20% increase in accidents on Christmas Day compared to a typical day. Perhaps it's the combination of festive cheer and winter weather that makes people a bit more accident-prone. Or maybe it's just the stress of trying to get to Grandma's house on time. Either way, it's worth being extra careful on this day of merriment.
Last but not least, we have Bonfire Night. Now, this one may be a bit of a mystery for our non-British readers, but in the UK, Bonfire Night is a rather big deal. It's a celebration of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament. And whilst the tradition of setting off fireworks and bonfires is all well and good, it does tend to lead to some rather dangerous driving. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), there is a 20% increase in accidents on Bonfire Night compared to a typical night. So, if you find yourself on the road on Bonfire Night, be sure to keep an eye out for those pesky sparklers and Catherine wheels.
And which are the safest?
Let's start by saying that NO days are safe on the roads; it's just that some are less dangerous than the average. However: first on the list, we have Christmas Eve. Yes, you read that right - Christmas Eve. Now, you might be thinking that this is a bit surprising, what with all the last-minute shopping and festive preparations that go on. Actually, though, Christmas Eve is actually one of the safest days to be on the road. Perhaps it's the anticipation of the holiday that makes people a bit more cautious behind the wheel. Or maybe it's just the fact that everyone is at home wrapping presents. Either way, it's worth taking a drive on Christmas Eve and enjoying the calm before the storm.
Next up, we have Boxing Day. Now, this one may not come as a surprise, as most people are still recovering from the festivities of the previous day. It's a day for lounging around in pyjamas, eating leftover turkey sandwiches, and watching endless reruns of old movies. And as a result, the roads tend to be a bit quieter, making it one of the safer days to be on the road.
Moving on, we have Easter Sunday. Now, this one may seem a bit surprising, as it's a day that's usually filled with family gatherings and Easter egg hunts. There is more though; Easter Sunday is actually one of the safest days to be on the road. Perhaps it's the fact that most people have had their fill of chocolate and are feeling a bit more relaxed. Or maybe it's just the Easter bunny looking out for us. Either way, it's worth taking a drive on Easter Sunday and enjoying the peace and quiet.
Last but not least, we have the summer solstice. Now, this one may be a bit of a wildcard, but bear with me. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer. And whilst it may not be a holiday per se, it's a day that's filled with sunlight, warmth, and good vibes. And as a result, the roads tend to be a bit safer, as people are in a good mood and feeling more alert.
So, there you have it, some of the dates with the highest, and lowest, number of car accidents in Britain. Whether it's Friday the 13th, New Year's Day, Christmas Day, or Bonfire Night, just remember to keep your wits about you and stay safe on the road. However, just because it's Chrismas Eve, Boxing Day, or Easter Sunday, that's no reason to relax - accidents will still happen, and you don't want to be a statistic that goes against the trend. Or something like that.
