40% of fatal traffic accidents happen in the dark, and with the clock change plunging evening commuters into darkness, the addition of wind, rain and snow makes for dangerous driving conditions.
Winter conditions increase risk of road traffic accidents
A perilous combination of dark nights and poor weather conditions is set to drive up the number of roadtraffic accidents on UK roads. With the clocks moving back an hour, the evening commute for most UK workers will now be taken in low-light conditions. The sudden change to routine and the body’s circadian rhythm can also see many more sleepy drivers take to the road.
In tandem with the worsening weather – with high winds, heavy rain and even snow becoming increasingly commonplace as autumn turns to winter – conditions are ripe for an increasing number of road traffic accidents.
Our personal injury tem has extensive experience handling car, motorcycle and other road traffic accident claims.
Road Safety Awareness Week
Road Safety Awareness week falls on 14th – 20th November this year. With driving conditions set to worsen dramatically, we are here to provide support for anyone involved in road traffic accidents, prepared to work hard for victims seeking injury compensation and vehicle repair costs.
Simon Adamson, Partner and Head of personal injury stated: “November is a particularly dangerous month as drivers have to contend with a new body clock routine, quickly adapt to driving in the dark and adjust to poor weather conditions affecting both visibility and road surfaces.
“We preach caution and strongly recommend that the public take notice of advice published by organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.”
ROSPA calculates that 40 per cent of all fatal traffic accidents happen in the dark – a disproportionate amount considering a vast majority of journeys take place in the day.
Guidance to Driving in the Dark and Winter Conditions
The best protection is of course, prevention of road traffic accidents in the first place.
Simon comments that all drivers are hampered to a certain degree by dark nights as visibility is limited, but older drivers whose eyes struggle to adapt to low light, and younger drivers who lack experience driving at night are at particular risk. And no matter your age, you should never drive tired. Being late by taking a much-needed rest is always preferable to not arriving at all.
There are various precautions drivers can take before venturing out during winter weather, too. These include checking weather forecasts before setting off, reducing speed and avoiding rapid accelerating or braking on wet or snowy roads, leaving plenty of space behind the car in front and packing an emergency kit in case the worst does happen.
Using common sense, taking necessary precautions and avoiding driving during the worst of conditions should go a long way to you avoiding an accident this winter.
Seeking Compensation for a Road Traffic Accident
If you find yourself, or someone close to you, is victim to an accident that’s not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained or vehicle damage.
Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, driver or motorcyclist, you deserve to be safe when using roads.
Our team operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so if you are unfortunately involved in any kind of road traffic accident this winter, get in touch to speak with our team who can assess if you may be able to claim. Use our contact form here or call us on 0161 969 3131.