Drivers warned of increased accidents as clocks go back
AA reports 11% accident increase after October clocks change
Drivers should exercise caution when the clocks go back on Sunday, as new data indicates an increase in accidents following the annual time change. The AA, the UK’s largest motoring organisation, reported an 11% rise in accident reports to its national Accident Assist service in the two weeks after the October 2023 clocks change, compared to the previous fortnight.
In the UK, clocks move forward an hour to British Summer Time on the last Sunday in March and revert to Greenwich Mean Time on the last Sunday of October. This October shift results in brighter mornings but earlier darkness in the evenings.
The AA highlighted that darker evenings, slippery roads, and impaired vision due to the low-lying sun contribute to more collisions in late October and early November. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, noted the increase in crashes when clocks fall back and suggested that many incidents could be prevented by adjusting driving habits. Rankin emphasised that controlling vehicle lights, rather than relying on automatic settings, can improve visibility for all road users.
The conclusion of Daylight Saving Time brings several changes that can impact road safety, particularly regarding driver fatigue and reduced visibility. Get info and #safety tips: https://t.co/3dYOnBoT8s #EndTheStreakTX #workplacesafety #injuryprevention @NSCsafety @TxDOT pic.twitter.com/shDng48MOl
— ODCTX (@ODCTXTS) October 22, 2024
An analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data by the PA news agency revealed an average of 183 more injury-causing crashes in November compared to October each year from 2014 to 2023. The average monthly crash totals for this period were 10,694 in October and 10,877 in November. Additionally, DfT figures showed that last year, 27 people died and 2,363 were injured in crashes where a driver’s vision was compromised by dazzling sun.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The AA reports a 11% increase in collision calls following the autumn clock change, highlighting the rise in road accidents due to time adjustment disruptions.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is there an increase in accidents when the clocks go back?
Darker evenings, slippery roads, and low-lying sun impair vision, leading to more collisions.
When do the clocks change in the UK?
Clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October.
How much did accident reports increase after the October 2023 clocks change?
Accident reports increased by 11% in the two weeks following the change.
What driving habits can help prevent accidents after the clocks go back?
Adjusting driving habits and controlling vehicle lights manually can improve visibility and safety.
How many more injury-causing crashes are there in November compared to October on average?
There are an average of 183 more injury-causing crashes in November than in October.
