Friday worst for crashes

Drivers might have "Friday on my mind" or "everybody's working for the weekend" playing on the car sound system when they drive home at the end of the working week, but they still need to concentrate on driving.

Research from insurance company NRMA - based on claims data from the 2011 calendar year - has found Friday is the worst day of the week for crashes in several states and the ACT. 

The insurer's statistics showed West Australian collisions on a Friday were 21 per cent above the weekly average, New South Wales and the ACT were 17 per cent above, and Queensland 16 per cent above.

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In those parts of the country, the 3-5pm bracket was the worst timeframe - and Sunday is the least likely day for a collision to occur. The figures have prompted the insurer to warn drivers to stay alert at the wheel especially as they head into the weekend.

NRMA spokesperson Damien Butler said it is a timely reminder to drivers that they need to focus on driving, particularly on a Friday. "People may be starting to unwind for the weekend and be distracted on a Friday, which contributes to them being at higher risk of a collision.

"In the afternoon, drivers may be rushing home from work, hurrying to collect their kids from school or heading away for the weekend and not taking extra care while driving. "We want to urge drivers to focus on the road, be aware of traffic conditions and to stay calm while driving to help prevent the worst happening," he said.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CRASH

Stop immediately and give assistance to anyone who is injured;

Call an ambulance if required;

Call the police if a person has been injured, the other party fails to stop and/or supply details, a vehicle has to be towed, a driver appears under the influence of drugs or alcohol or there is damage to property;

Exchange details, including date, time and location, name and residential address of the person involved and the owner of the vehicle, licence and registration details, make and model of the cars involved and insurance details;

Collect the details of any witnesses and police in attendance; and

Contact your insurer.