Ding dong Christmas warning

With the Christmas cheer almost here, NRMA Insurance is calling for drivers to take it easy when hitting the shops, with car park collisions expected to spike in December.

NRMA Insurance claims data has revealed that in NSW last year, car park collisions in December spiked by almost 20 per cent above the annual average.

The insurer's claims data also showed that last year:
car park collisions accounted for one in seven of all collisions; and Thursday was the most common day for a car park collision, followed closely by Friday.

NRMA Insurance spokesperson Emily Gatt said drivers may be getting caught up in the Christmas shopping frenzy and having an unnecessary collision.

"We understand that Christmas and the holiday period is already a busy time so we want NSW drivers to try and avoid adding extra stress to their lives. We recommend drivers obey the parking rules, take it easy when circling the car park for a space and be alert for other drivers. Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles," Ms Gatt said.

Shopping trolleys are a potential hazard in the car park with claims data showing that on average in NSW there are around 250 shopping trolley collisions per year.

Ms Gatt added that with Christmas around the corner where car parks will be buzzing, we're asking people to be considerate of others and return trolleys to the designated area and be alert while driving.

NRMA Insurance offers some tips for a less stressful Christmas parking experience:

• Obey the parking rules and traffic directions and be alert for other drivers who don't;
• When reversing in or out of a car space, go slow and don't just rely on your mirrors look over your shoulder as well;
• Reversing cameras and sensors can help, but drivers should still be aware of what's around them;
• If you can, reverse into a car space, so it's easier to see in both directions when pulling out;
• Do your bit by returning shopping trolleys to their bay;
• Use indicators every time you make a turn;
• Don't pull out around cars that are waiting to drive into a parking space be patient and give them room to move;
• If you hit a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details;
• If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party.