Long, warm summer days may now feel like a distant memory as the Atlantic jet stream powers weather systems towards the UK, bringing rain and gales. With the change in season comes the need to understand the road safety challenges that will inevitably follow.
Does the weather really matter?
A glance at the DfT’s STATS19 data tables tells you that slippery road conditions because of weather was a contributory factor in 1,433 serious or fatal casualties in Great Britain in 2023, 9% higher than 2022. Interestingly, 2023 was also a wet year across the country, with rainfall totals higher than average. This is before we even get to increased winter hazards such as poor visibility, darker mornings and evenings, snow, ice, fog, low sun, and increased spray on the road, all of which were contributory factors in over 3,000 collisions in 2023.
Solicitors Simpson Miller analysed data and found November to be the month with the highest number of collisions, with June and October a close second and third.
A survey conducted of IAM RoadSmart members in October 2024 found that out of all conditions, advanced drivers and riders found low sun to be the most challenging winter condition they encounter, with 56% stating this, and snow & ice identified by 51%. In very wet conditions, members almost universally leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front (90% stated this), while most will also adjust their braking and acceleration accordingly.
Then, of course, is the impact of colder conditions on the vehicles. Tyres, batteries and engines are all prone to taking more strain as temperatures fall and without proper servicing and maintenance, defects will quickly turn into road safety hazards.
What else should fleet managers look out for?
The clocks going forward in October is an important moment from a road safety point of view. Drivers are more likely to be involved in a collision at peak times which includes between 4pm and 7pm. Once the clocks go back, evening peak times take place in almost totally dark conditions.
With darker evenings and drivers jockeying for road space alongside stressed out commuters and people in a hurry, mistakes are more commonplace. Fleet managers should use this time of year to remind their drivers of the principles of safer driving: information, positioning, speed, gear and acceleration with a heavy dose of anticipation. Reduced grip from ice, rainfall and leaf fall will make conditions trickier. Driving on some roads carries higher risk in poor weather conditions, which means route management also becomes more important.
To help with matters, IAM RoadSmart’s policy team provides detailed driving advice when amber or red weather warnings are issued to ensure everyone can make informed decisions if they need to be out on the road.
Talking about the changeable weather may be a favourite British pastime, and while the unpredictability of our weather may be a given, understanding best practice on how to deal with it is a must.
Nicholas Lyes (IAM RoadSmart Policy and Standards Director) – September 2025
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