Serious injury lawyer sets out how you can stay safe on the roads as the clocks turn back

Despite Britain’s summer having never really started, this Sunday will see the end of British Summer Time. Anticipating darker days, as well as colder and wetter months ahead, it’s an opportunity to consider how to stay safe on our roads. 

Previous research from the RAC Foundation reveals that in the two weeks following the clocks going back, on average there’s an additional 278 collisions on our roads. Meanwhile data from Zurich, the insurer, indicates a 10% - 15% increase in crashes between 4pm and 7pm in the month following the clocks going back. So, what can be done to prepare for the change in seasons? 

As a serious injury lawyer specialising in supporting people in the aftermath of life-changing injuries and deaths on Britain’s roads, I recognise the dangers faced by road users on a daily basis. Further, as someone who drives, cycles and rides motorbikes regularly, I'm personally all too aware of the challenges faced as the roads get darker and weather deteriorates.

Measures that can be taken to improve road safety

Visibility 

• With the sun often lower in the sky, the ability to see and be seen can be made difficult. If dazzled by the sun, you should slow down and, if necessary, stop. 
• Always ensure that your vehicle windows are demisted, as well as being free from frost and snow. Cleaning your windscreen, along with repairing chips and cracks, can help to reduce glare.
• When cycling, ensure that your bike lights are operating and fully charged. You may have started your day in the crisp morning sun, but don’t be caught out by the nights drawing in or an unscheduled ride home after dark. Drivers should also ensure that their bulbs are working so that they can see and be seen. 
• It is also more difficult to judge speeds and distances in the dark, so take care around other road users and at junctions. Be aware that vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians will be harder to spot.

Keeping warm and dry

• Whilst drivers may be cosy in their vehicles, the UK’s volatile weather can be hazardous for bikers and cyclists. Having waterproofs ready for those sudden showers, or even as an extra layer for warmth, can be transformative. Becoming cold can affect your concentration while riding, so ensure that you're wearing layers that you can adapt for the conditions.

Taking care of the road conditions

• Leaves can be slippery, but they may also hide hazards such as drains and potholes. Manhole covers, tram tracks and painted lines on the road can also become dangerously slick in damp and wet weather. Puddles can also obscure deep potholes and ruts in the road, so should be avoided where safe to do so.
• As temperatures drop, roads can become slippery with frost and ice, which presents dangers to all road users. Take extra care when travelling through shaded areas that don’t catch the sun during the day, as ice from the night before can persist. Not only impacting on visibility, but fog can also cause roads to become wet and slippery. It is vital to adjust your speed to the driving conditions. 
• If the road is wet or icy, it will also take longer to slow or stop. For motorists, in wet conditions, stopping distances will be at least double; in icy conditions it can be ten times greater than on dry roads.  

Be prepared 

• Ensure your vehicle is ready for the conditions. Having tyres with safe tread depths, working brakes and lights, effective windscreen wipers and topped up windscreen screen wash can make the difference in ensuring a safe journey home. 

Conclusion

Every year the switch from British Summer Time to Daylight Saving Time sees an increase in crashes on our roads and it’s important that we’re all aware of the additional risks. 

As Zurich’s data reveals, with a 10-15% increase in incidents occurring, the “end of daylight saving leads to a surge in car accidents as drivers adapt”. Whilst you may have prepared for the clocks going back, others may not have. 

Sadly, through my work I too often see lives shattered by incidents on our roads. This results in people needing legal advice to access the specialist rehabilitation needed to maximise their recovery, or support after a bereavement. 

I therefore urge everyone to prepare for the change in the weather and those colder, darker mornings and nights. After months of daylight riding and driving, even familiar roads can look very different in the dark.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in helping people and families following road accidents at our road traffic accident claims section.