Hot weather sees rise in accidents

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With it finally looking like we’re in for some long overdue summer sunshine, drivers are urged to be aware of the factors behind a massive leap in car insurance claims at this time of year.

With temperatures across the UK reaching 28 degrees on Monday, and the promise of more hot days to come in July and August, the Norwich Union has issued a timely warning that car insurance claims double on the hottest days of the year.

The phenomenon could be down to what’s been dubbed the “short skirt effect”, when revealing summer clothes means that drivers just can’t keep their eyes on the road and are involved in minor prangs as a result.

The rise in road accident rates on hot days or during heatwaves could also be down to a number of other reasons, such as the effects of sunstroke, drivers not wearing appropriate footwear, and an inability to concentrate because of high temperatures.

Motorists are advised to make more of an effort to concentrate in hot weather, to turn up the air conditioning, and to take a bottle of water along to combat dehydration.

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