December is the most dangerous month to drive on UK roads, according to new research published as the UK approaches the busy holiday season.
A survey by Samsara of 500 professional drivers saw 25% say that December is the month they witness the most vehicle thefts, while 21% said it was the worst month for road collisions.
More than one in five (17%) said December came out worst for roadside breakdowns and a similar proportion (16%) said this is the worst time of the year for traffic jams.
Extra safety precautions are necessary, particularly with weather conditions worsening and with more vehicles expected on the road in the run up to Christmas.
Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA of Samsara, said: “With December regarded as the most dangerous month to drive on UK roads, it’s imperative for all road users to take extra care when out on the roads.
“This includes professional drivers who will be busy transporting essential goods, groceries, and Christmas gifts across the nation this month. As well as field services engineers who will be on the roads keeping our essential services running during this period.
“Fleet-based businesses can offer peace of mind to their drivers by equipping vehicles with technology that serve as an extra pair of eyes on the road. Solutions such as real-time crash detection alerts, tracking devices, and connected platforms can help to protect drivers who find themselves on the road at the busiest time of year.
“By empowering drivers and fleets with the tech they need to navigate these challenges, safety and efficiency can be prioritised, making the roads safer for all this Christmas.”