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But blinding sun maintained its influence on severe
road casualties
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Nearly one in 30 of all road casualties last year had a
sun dazzle link
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AA warns drivers to be ready for low summer sun in the
rush-hour
More traffic on the roads after lockdown helped cut fatalities
where sun dazzle was a contributory factor. Deaths dropped from
41 in 2020 to 19 last year. However, the number of severe road
casualties (KSIs – killed and seriously injured) barely dipped,
from 496 in 2020 to 491 in 2021, according to the latest
Department for Transport statistics*.
The return of traffic to UK roads, while putting more vehicles
back on the road, likely reduced the lethality of incidents by
slowing traffic speeds and making road users more wary of
encountering others and vehicles. The return to work and school
last year would also have reduced the number of vulnerable road
users exercising during the day and therefore chances of a deadly
collision, the AA concludes.
However, although a blinding sun is a contributory cause of fewer
road casualties (3,900 to 4,000 each year between 2012 and 2014,
now down to 2,397 in 2020 and 2,369 in 2021), it is still a
factor for 3% or one in 33 road casualties. That has barely
changed over the last 10 years.
With sunset moving into the rush-hour period, the AA is warning
drivers to be equipped and alert to how they might respond if
suddenly blinded by low sun. Above all, if drivers are unsure
that the road ahead is clear, they should slow down. Not only
does it give more time to spot and avoid unexpected pedestrians
and cyclists but also other vehicles in front may slow down
significantly.
Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year says: “Glare, when the sun is
low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of
year. Always keep sunglasses within easy reach when driving. You
may need to use the sun visors, so keep them free from objects
such as fuel receipts, other documents or even CDs as these could
cause a distraction if they drop when the visors are lowered.
“As the sun sets in the west, drivers on the east coast, in
places like Newcastle upon Tyne, stand a higher chance of being
dazzled as more early evening rush-hour trips are likely to be
heading west, and away from the coast. If the sun is behind you,
bear in mind that the drivers coming toward you may be affected
by the sun. Using your headlights will help other drivers to see
you. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and adjust
your speed to suit the road conditions.
“Keep your car’s windscreen clean, both inside and outside to
help reduce glare. Replace worn wiper blades and use a good
quality screen wash that contains anti-freeze as this can prevent
damage to the washer pump when temperatures drop heading into
autumn.”
ends
NOTE TO EDITORS:
* RAS0701: Reported road collisions and casualties contributory
factors by severity and road user type, Great Britain, ten years
up to 2021
