On Sunday 26 October British Summer Time officially ends and clocks go back an hour. Sadly it’s also the time that road traffic accidents increase with 25% of all car accidents happening between 4 and 9 pm as drivers adjust to driving in the dark.
Claire McGlynn, trainee solicitor at Lawson-West, offers tips for safe driving in dark conditions:
• If you can, give yourself more time for your car journey and be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Check your lights work properly before setting out.
• Use main beam where you can but dip your lights when oncoming traffic approaches and/or you are driving behind another car. Avoid dazzling other drivers as this increases the risk of an accident.
• If you are dazzled, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and wait until the effects have worn off before continuing to drive.
• Keep car windows clear.
• Avoid tailgating the car in front. Ensure you are following after an interval of at least two seconds, longer if conditions are wet or frosty.
• Research by the RNIB found that 1 in 3 drivers do not wear glasses or contact lenses as prescribed by their optician. If you have been prescribed glasses or contact lenses for use when driving and don’t wear them, you risk a £1000 fine and 3 points on your driving licence.
If you use a bicycle or motorbike, ensure the lights on your bike are working properly and wear visible safety clothing such as a flourescent jacket so that other road users and pedestrians can see you. Car drivers often mention that they failed to see a cyclist, particularly at junctions when it’s also dark.
If you are involved in a road accident that wasn’t your fault:-
• Check to see if you are at risk from further injury from other vehicles, particularly if you were on a motorbike or bicycle – if other road users have not stopped or are unaware, try to move to safety.
• Don’t admit liability – speak to one of our specialist solicitors first.
• Note the other driver’s registration and insurance details – if the driver refuses to give details, still note the registration number.
• If there are witnesses to your accident and you can do so, ask for their contact details.
• Sketch the road layout and show where the vehicles were before and after the collision.
• Make sure you see a doctor after the accident even if you feel you have only sustained minor injuries such as bruising or grazes. Some injuries, such as concussion or whiplash, may not appear until later.
• Keep receipts for expenses, such as painkillers, incurred as a result of your accident.
Contact Claire McGlynn on 0116 212 1000 now, complete one of the on-line forms or text ‘accident’ to 07802 825520 and we’ll call you back.
