With the return of darker evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, especially with the ‘changing of the clock’, eDriving FLEET is urging all road users to play a part in preventing collisions.

The UK will revert from Daylight Savings Time to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at 2am on Sunday October 30, when the clocks go back to 1am.

In the USA and Canada, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am on Sunday November 6, when the clocks go back to 1am.

Collision rates rise after the clock change and as visibility and weather conditions begin to worsen.

Between 3-6pm is also a dangerous time on the roads in winter, as people are travelling home after a busy day at work and children are making their way home from school.

In summer, around a quarter of all collisions happen during these hours, but when the clocks go back, heavy traffic and rapidly deteriorating light increases this statistic to a third.

Below are some tips for drivers on how to stay safe on the roads following the clock change.

  • Check that your vehicle’s lights work including indicators and brake lights
  • Help to make sure you can see as much as possible out of windows by keeping your vehicle clean
  • Keep fluid levels topped up, including wash-wipe fluid – this will also help keep your windscreen clear
  • De-mist windows before setting off
  • Watch your speed as you are less likely to see vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
  • Drive according to weather conditions – it takes around twice as long to stop on wet roads and ten times as long on icy roads
  • Drive defensively – look out for others and anticipate the actions of all road users
  • Remember that familiar routes can look different in the dark, and can pose different hazards
  • Carry a basic emergency kit, just in case you get into trouble
  • If you use full beam headlights remember to dip them when another vehicle is approaching
  • Make sure your eyesight has been tested so you can be certain you’re seeing as well as possible – driving in the dark is more challenging, especially if your eyesight has deteriorated