Data from the motoring organisation, The AA, has revealed that the number of collisions in the fortnight after the clocks changed increased by 11% in 2023, compared with the previous two weeks.
Late October to early November present one of the most high-risk periods of time for drivers to be on road. Drivers are being urged to take caution as darker evenings, slippery road conditions and low-lying sun all contribute towards increased collisions.
Analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data by the PA news agency found there were on average 183 more crashes that resulted in an injury in November than in October each year between 2014 and 2023 in Britain.
The average monthly totals in that period were 10,694 in October and 10,877 in November.
Even when autumn brings drier, sunnier days, drivers are struggling with low-lying sun and glare off the roads. DfT figures also show 27 people were killed and a further 2,363 were injured in crashes where a driver’s vision was affected by “dazzling sun” last year (2023).
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The clocks shifting back by one hour ushers in darker evenings and poses different risks on the roads. Alongside wetter and windier Autumn conditions, drivers need to beware of slippery surfaces from leaves falling from trees which are a skid risk. Low sun can also be blinding so appropriate eye wear is advisable.”
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “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 others see you.”
Here are some top tips for business drivers and fleet managers for dealing with the autumn weather on the road:
- Be weather ready: Autumn usually brings lower temperatures and many other conditions like fog, wind, rain, and ice. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before setting off so you have an idea of what to expect on your journey. IAM RoadSmart will often publish advisories on our Media Centre if severe weather is forecast.
- Check antifreeze levels. It’s important to use antifreeze year-round as it helps to protect your vehicle from corrosion and decay. If you don’t know which is best for your car, check your vehicle handbook.
- Check your headlights are working. It’s dangerous for drivers and other road users if your lights do not work properly, and with autumn resulting in fewer daylight hours, you need to be able to rely on correctly working and adjusted lights. Do not assume the automatic setting is the most appropriate for conditions.
- Top up the windscreen washer with de-icing additive. The colder it gets the stronger the solution needs to be.
- Use sunglasses and sun visors to deal with dazzle. The low angle of the sun during the colder months can cause drivers to become dazzled, so make sure to use sunglasses and sun visors. If you are dazzled, reduce your speed immediately.
- Make sure windscreen wipers are part of your vehicle checks. If they begin to blur the front or windscreen, or begin to make unusual noises, it’s time to replace them with new ones.
- Watch out for animal obstructions. October through to December is considered the highest risk of deer collisions in the UK, so take notice of any wildlife signs that you come across and take extra care.
IAM RoadSmart offers Vehicle Familiarisation courses that ensure drivers know how to correctly carry out vehicle checks to prepare driving during the autumn months. Our driver training courses such as Driving for Work also teach a broad range of skills to those who drive a car or LCV as part of their working life, helping to build a more resilient fleet that can deal with changing weather more effectively.
