Whether we like it or not it’s that time of year again and the clocks are going back by one hour at 2am on Sunday 31 October. This is reportedly one of the most dangerous times of the year on the road and every year at this time we see campaigns from road safety and motoring organisations warning drivers to take extra care.
Although the clock change does bring lighter mornings and many of us welcome the extra hour in bed, there are serious safety issues to consider and the annual campaigns from road safety organisations are a great reminder about a very serious issue. But why do accidents increase when the clocks go back?
According to RoSPA, every autumn when the clocks go back and sunset occurs earlier in the day, road casualties rise with the effects being worse for the most vulnerable road users like children, the elderly, cyclists and motorcyclists. In fact, according to claims statistics by car insurance company Zurich Connect, each year there is an average 11% increase in car insurance claims immediately following the clock change.
There are many different reasons given to explain this rise in accidents, one of which is that the peak time of day for accidents becomes darker and vulnerable road users such as children and cyclists are less visible. RoSPA’s figures show that during the working week, casualty rates peak at 8am and 5pm for adults and 8am and 3.30pm for children, with the afternoon peak being higher for both.
Another explanation is that it is possible motorists get used to driving routes in broad daylight and find it hard to adjust in the dark. This is coupled with the fact that the end of October often sees the start of bad weather conditions. Many motorists find it harder to drive in the dark, it requires a much higher level of concentration and the glare from headlights can be distracting.
There are simple things drivers can do to improve their own vision in the dark. First of all it’s really important to keep your windscreen clean because at night marks on the glass increase the glare from oncoming headlights, reducing visibility. So regularly clean your windscreen and lights and keep washer fluid levels topped up. However, the most important action that motorists can take themselves is to reduce their speed to reflect bad light and weather conditions and be extra aware of vulnerable roads users who may not be as visible in the dark.
For companies it is always worth reminding their drivers whether business or private motorists, to be aware of changing road and weather conditions and to be extra vigilant at this time of year.
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