Insurance company NFU Mutual has predicted there will be at least an 18 per cent increase in the number of road accidents from next week.
From Monday 12 April, self-contained holiday accommodation lets, non-essential retail, personal care, outdoor hospitality and indoor leisure venues are scheduled to reopen, and more motorists are expected to take to the roads.
A spokesperson told Motoring Research the projected figure is based on data gathered when lockdowns were eased in 2020.
Claims to NFU Mutual for car accidents increased by 22 percent over the late May Bank Holiday last year, shortly after lockdown was eased on 11 May, while car accident claims also increased by 12 percent over the Christmas period compared with previous weeks, the insurance firm said.
The company added that its research indicated one in four drivers are “feeling nervous” about making long journeys once lockdown is eased.
Of 2,000 drivers surveyed, 37 percent said they are planning to drive somewhere to go on holiday in the UK when Covid restrictions allow it. This equates to more than 12 million drivers taking to the roads from next week.
The company added the most nervous driving groups – including two-thirds of those aged 18-34, and more than half of Londoners – are also those taking to the UK’s roads to holiday in the highest numbers.
Nearly two thirds of drivers aged 18-34 (63 percent) and more than half of Londoners who drive (53 percent) will be doing so for a UK getaway this year, NFU Mutual said.
‘Drivers should take care on the roads’
“While uncertainty remains on whether European holidays are on the cards, our research shows that millions will be taking to the UK’s roads for holidays from next week when lockdown eases,” said NFU Mutual motor insurance specialist, Jade Devlin.
“Where easing has happened in 2020 we’ve received sharp surges in reported car accident, with roads getting busier very quickly and drivers taking their first long distance drives for a while.
“We’re sadly expecting the same from 12 April when many venues and holiday lets start opening up, so would urge drivers to take care on the roads.”
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