NSW parking disaster zones revealed
28/11/2006
A 15% rise in the cost of parking collisions over the past 12 months has resulted in a $130 million damages bill according to the latest NRMA Insurance data.*
NRMA Insurance Head of Research, Robert McDonald said with Christmas just around the corner, we are urging shoppers to take more care whilst parking because those car park bumps, scrapes, dents and dings cost on average $1600 to repair, which is enough to blow any shopping budget.
“More than 100 parking collisions are reported to us every day and this is likely to increase in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year – the peak retail time,” he said.
One in 10 collisions occur while drivers are parking their vehicles and almost half of these are while drivers are reversing. Runaway trolleys, keys, poles and pylons also cause significant damage to vehicles in car parks.
“Although it’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure they navigate and park safely in car parks, improvements in car park design can also assist in reducing collisions.
“Car parks need proper lighting, clear signage and improved access as well as wider ramps and parking spaces, all of which can make a difference,” added Mr McDonald.
Drivers also need to be on the look out for pedestrians in car parks, especially small children. “Children are naturally inquisitive and can move surprisingly quick. Motorists need to slow down and be very aware of what is going on around them, driving no faster than 5km/h when in reverse,” said Mr McDonald.
NRMA Insurance research also revealed that more than 80 per cent of drivers believe they would leave a note if they damaged a parked car, yet 60 per cent of drivers said they have returned to their car to find it damaged with no note to identify the culprit.**
“We recognise that damage caused to vehicles while parked is generally not the fault of the driver but we encourage people to be considerate to other motorists by taking responsibility for damage they may cause and provide proper identification,” said Mr McDonald.