The AA is advising drivers to be more vigilant ahead of the
clocks going back an hour on Sunday 27 October, as crashes rise
by 11% in the two weeks following the change*. Collision data
from The AA's Accident Assist team saw calls for its service rise
by 11% the fortnight after the 2023 October clock change compared
to the fortnight before the clocks fell back.
Darker evenings, wet weather and slippery streets all contribute
to increased collisions in late October and early November. Even
when autumn produces drier, sunnier days, drivers are struggling
with low-lying sun and glare off the roads.
Last month, three quarters (73%**) of drivers said the worst
thing about driving in autumn was being dazzled by the sun. More
than half (52%) said other drivers not using their lights
properly is a problem in autumn, while two fifths (40%) said
darker mornings and evenings were the worst aspect of autumnal
motoring.
According to the 2023 road casualty statistics***, there were
3,680 collisions where someone was injured or killed due do the
driver's vision was affected by adverse weather or dazzling sun.
Similarly, there were 4,244 injury collisions where the road
surface was slippery due to weather conditions.
AA Accident Assist is
reminding drivers to carry out some basic vehicle checks such as
checking tyres and lights, as well as ensuring they carry
sunglasses throughout the season to combat low and dazzling sun.
The AA has also partnered with the FIA's School Road Safety
campaign****, reminding drivers to be extra cautious when driving
near schools at drop off and pick up times.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “Our
stats are clear that when the clocks fall back we see a rise in
the number of crashes. Many of these could be avoided by making
small changes to driving habits.
“Dazzle by low-lying sun can make a journey challenging, but
being in control of your lights is easy. Leaving the stalk on
‘auto' is not always the best way forward. We urge drivers to
help light the way to help them see others and help other see
you.
“Arguably, driving in autumn is the most testing as the weather
cam change from cold and wet, to bright and sunny. The best
advice is to drive to the conditions, ensure your car is in good
condition and to look out for other road users.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Data from internal AA Accident Assist figures, 14 days pre and
post the 2023 October clock change
** Yonder received 10,552 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 10th to 17th September 2024 Yonder is a member
of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
*** Collisions RSFs tab on table found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6657323316cf36f4d63ebba5/ras0701.ods
**** Child safety in school
zones - FIA Region I (fiaregion1.com)
