Drivers are being urged to be extra vigilant as darker evenings bring increased risks on the road
Motoring experts have warned drivers to be extra vigilant(Image: Getty)
Motorists have been issued with an urgent warning ahead of October 25, when a significant change will take effect across the UK. Motoring specialists are calling on drivers to exercise extra caution in anticipation of darker evenings and worsening weather conditions.
When the clocks go back by one hour on Sunday, October 25, people across Britain will find the sun setting at around 4.50pm, meaning many commuters will be making their journeys home in complete darkness. Driving at night presents its own set of challenges, as the lack of natural light narrows your field of vision, slows reaction times, and causes the eyes to struggle with contrast and glare, reports the Mirror.
In the lead-up to October 25, Blackcircles.com is reminding motorists what to check when navigating roads in low-light conditions. James Harding, a motoring specialist with 16 years of experience at Blackcircles.com, warned: “Unlit roads can be more dangerous, especially to cars with less powerful headlights. Reduced visibility often means that sharp bends, debris and standing water can appear much later than they usually would.
“You may also not notice loose gravel, mud, potholes or broken edges until you are close.” He added: “Before you set off, you must also check that your tyres have the correct pressure and adequate tread. Having a good grip is especially important when you are unable to see road surfaces.”
In the UK, the clocks will go back one hour at 2am on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This shift marks the official end of British Summer Time (BST) as the country reverts to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), granting everyone an extra hour of sleep.
Why can the clocks going back be a problem for drivers?
Car experts warn that the clocks going back has a substantial impact on motorists by shifting daylight hours, resulting in a sharp rise in road accidents and evening driving hazards. When the switch from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) occurs, peak evening rush hours are abruptly cast into darkness.
This triggers a documented rise in traffic accidents and injury claims of 11% to over 20% in the weeks that follow. Vehicle collisions increase by approximately 11% in the two weeks after the autumn clock change, according to the AA. Data from Zurich Insurance reveals that accidents between 4pm and 7pm surge from 25% to 30% following the shift.
Motorists must navigate reduced visibility, a low-lying autumn sun that can cause severe glare, and deteriorating weather conditions such as rain, fog, and slippery fallen leaves. These hazards make vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders, far more difficult to spot, creating a particularly dangerous environment for young, new, or business fleet drivers who are statistically at greater risk of crashing during this seasonal transition.
How to drive safely in the dark:
Look well ahead, not just directly in front of the car. Scan for bends, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, road debris and changes in the road surface.
Anticipate potholes and hazards at the road’s edge. If the road surface is not clearly visible, reduce your speed rather than swerving sharply at the last second.
Should you spot a pothole, apply the brakes before reaching it where possible, rather than braking heavily while already driving over it. Maintain controlled steering and avoid making a dangerous last-second swerve.
Increase your following distance. A greater gap between you and the vehicle ahead gives you more time to react should it brake suddenly or encounter an obstacle.
Take extra care on bends. An approaching vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian or obstruction may not be visible around a corner.
Reduce your speed before reaching any bend in the road. Slow down when visibility is poor. It is essential to drive at a speed at which you can safely bring your vehicle to a stop should you spot a hazard ahead.
Use your headlights properly. On an unlit road, use full beam where appropriate, but dip it for oncoming traffic and when travelling behind another vehicle to avoid dazzling the driver.
Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists can be surprisingly hard to spot on dark roads, particularly when wearing dark clothing.
Remain vigilant for anyone on foot or on a bike, and give them ample room when passing. James continued: “If you’ve recently driven down a particularly rough, dark road and notice vibrations, a steering pull, or loss of tyre pressure, it is important to check your tyres promptly.”
