Clocks go back: Time for an Increase in Car Accidents

The clocks go back on 28 October as British Summer Time officially ends, sparking a sudden increase in car accidents as drivers adjust to driving in the dark. A quarter of all road traffic accidents happen between 4 and 9 pm, typically when drivers want to get home after work. Most of these are caused because 90% of a driver’s ability to react to road surface conditions and any obstacles relies on being able to see clearly. When driving at night, all aspects of sight are affected including peripheral vision and colour recognition.

Vicky Jones, Personal Injury Partner at Lawson-West offers some tips for safe driving in darker conditions:-

1. So that you can be more cautious, give yourself more time for journeys in the dark. If you have to drive on a poorly-lit road, take extra care on corners and be prepared to stop suddenly.

2. Check your lights work properly before you set out. Lights on high beam should not be higher than the height of the lights from the ground, be slightly left of centre and in a dipped position, be cut off clearly to the left and down.

3. Use main beam when you can, but not if you risk dazzling other drivers. A dazzled driver is temporarily blinded and automatically looks away from the road, making an accident more likely. Be prepared to dip your lights when oncoming traffic approaches and/or if you are driving behind another car.

4. If you are dazzled, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and take a break until the affects have worn off.

5. Keep your car windows clear and clean. If Autumn brings frosts, is it worth taking an extra few minutes to thoroughly scrape the frost off car windows.

6. Follow your optician’s advice about using glasses or contact lenses when driving at night and keep your eye test appointments. According to an RNIB survey as many as 1 in 3 drivers were not wearing needed glasses or contact lenses when driving, risking a £1,000 fine and 3 points on their driving licence.

7. Avoid tailgating the car in front. Your headlight beam will fall short of the rear of the car in front, reducing your ability to see and increasing your risk of having an accident. If you drive too close, you risk causing a rear end shunt if the car in front brakes suddenly, because the driver couldn’t clearly see an obstacle.

If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, please phone Ashley on 0116 212 1000 to discuss accident injury compensation