White Monday a black day for accidents

Monday 21th December could be the busiest day of 2009 for road accident claims as blizzard conditions sweep many parts of the country.

As at 17.30, the AA claims office in Cardiff had received over 500 claims, almost twice as many claims as would be expected on the whole of a normal winter Monday. According to staff, the "phone hasn't stopped ringing and we're going absolutely flat-out, claim volumes increasing as the evening sets in as customers come to grief in the arctic conditions."

The busiest day of 2009 so far was on 2nd February when the last widespread snow fell.  Then, just over 800 claims were taken.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, says: "Fortunately, most accidents are at a relatively slow speed so we're not getting reports of injuries.  But an accident is always distressing and on ice can be very frightening.  Our role first and foremost is to offer help, advice and a sympathetic ear - and help them decide on the next best course of action.

"Our roadside patrols are also reporting their busiest day for years, with over 16,000 calls taken by 3pm today."