With the majority of schools going back last week, AXA Insurance says one in four parents were involved in a car accident whilst taking their children to school during the last academic year.
Nine per cent claimed that they had been in a somewhat major accident, whilst another eight per cent said their accident was ‘severe’. Eighteen per cent also said that whilst they had not been involved in an accident, they had been involved in at least one near miss.
Unfortunately, when schools go back, the increase in people on the roads naturally leads to a higher likelihood of being involved in an accident.
Claims data from AXA shows that the amount of claims made between 7am and 9am in September increases drastically compared to August, as motorists are 33 per cent more likely to claim at 7am, 47 per cent more likely at 8am and 37 per cent more likely at 9am.
A number of these accidents occur on or near the school gates: one in six parents claimed their accident occurred near the school or in the school car park with someone they know.
It is therefore not surprising that 42 per cent of parents believe that even though their child’s school tries to help when it comes to road safety around the area, they could do more.
Ideas include creating more designated parking spaces (37 per cent), working with local residents to make sure they don’t block roads for parents and vice versa (31 per cent) and making sure children don’t stand around the car park or in front of the school (24 per cent).
Causes of school-run accidents
Driving during rush hour can often be stressful, with 39 per cent of parents saying that other drivers rushing makes them feel like them and their children are in danger.
Rushing seems to be the main cause of issues during the school run, with 46 per cent of parents saying they often spend mornings clock-watching in order to get their children to school on time.
One in three parents also said they often feel stressed in the morning, whilst a quarter regularly experience frustration and 15 per cent are overwhelmed.
Some of the biggest challenges parents face are children arguing about what they want to wear (33 per cent), throwing their breakfast on the floor (25 per cent) and their spouse not helping (31 per cent).
Ways to improve the school run
Running late is something most parents worry about, with 64 per cent and 52 per cent saying running late to school and work respectively distracts them whilst driving their kids to school.
However, 67 per cent don’t put any measures in place to help them plan their journeys such as checking traffic reports, messaging other parents or arranging lift shares.
