Non-Fault Accident: Clock Change Day and the Surge in Car Accidents

As fall approaches in the UK, many of us brace for an abrupt change in our daily routines and experience darker evenings. Despite this being an annual occurrence, a few unspoken dangers are associated with this seasonal shift, particularly for drivers. 

Decreased daylight hours, adverse weather, and the glare of low sunlight can all substantially impact road vision and catch drivers off guard. 

The Impact of Clock Change Day

The UK observes a clock change twice a year, which throws off everyday habits and presents a lot of surprising risks. As the clocks fall back in autumn, more people find themselves commuting in the dark, which increases the risk of car accidents.

This abrupt change not only reduces the amount of vitamin D produced due to a lack of sunlight but also interferes with the body’s natural rhythms, lowering alertness overall. Similar to giving the entire nation a “dose of jetlag,” these shifts disrupt our circadian rhythms, altering hormone levels that control sleep and waking cycles and taxing our immune systems.

This “national jet lag” has far-reaching consequences. The stress on the body and the resulting drop of alertness that occurs from a disturbed sleep cycle are the reasons why studies link the clock shift to an increase in heart attacks and auto accidents.

Although energy conservation was the initial goal of clock changes, the adverse effects on health and safety should call into question this outdated practice. With no present need to change the clocks twice a year, it has been advised to discontinue the practice to benefit health and road safety.

A Rise in Accidents During Annual Clock Changes

According to the AA’s most current road data research, car accidents increased by 11% in the two weeks after the fall clock change, with an even higher increase during rush hour, with a 6% increase during rush hour. These figures show the necessity of being aware on the road during this more challenging driving season.

Decreased daylight impairs sight and also brings a number of unanticipated risks. Even the most careful drivers can find it difficult to drive safely during dark evenings due to poor visibility that can hide road hazards, other cars, or pedestrians. This frequently results in more non-fault collisions, where even if drivers exercise extra caution, they can become casualties of factors beyond their control, like miscalculated distances, headlight glare, and other driver errors.

As people commute in low light, the change to earlier sunsets worsens rush hour problems. With higher traffic density and low lighting, it’s more difficult for drivers to anticipate abrupt stops, last-minute lane changes, or pedestrian crossings.

Hazards in Fall Weather

Driving in the fall has unique risks that require extra caution because of shorter daylight hours, wet or foggy weather, and road debris. Rain and fog can impair visibility, while falling leaves can hide potholes and make surfaces more slick.

Drivers should always prepare their cars for the colder, rainier months and modify their speeds to take seasonal hazards into consideration to stay safe on autumn roads. Here are some tips you can implement to combat the effects of the clock change.

• Get Ready to Drive at Night — Make sure all your lights are functioning and check your bulbs so you are visible to other drivers.
• Reduce the Amount of Glare — Before cold weather arrives, make sure that your windscreen is thoroughly cleaned from the inside out and that all chips and cracks are repaired.
• Watch for road debris and leaves — Potholes and dips in the road might be covered by falling leaves from strong winds, which makes the road slicker.
• Adapt Your Speed — Pay attention to your speed while driving through fog or adverse weather that can make the road wet and slick.
• Examine Your Car Ahead of Time — Inspect your car thoroughly, including the wipers, brakes, tyres, and fluids.

Non-Fault Accident Repairs By Caversham Coachworks

It can be difficult and annoying to deal with the aftermath of a non-fault accident. It’s proven that an accident is much more likely in the fall when the road conditions present more hazards on top of having earlier sunsets. Finding yourself in a non-fault accident can mean looking for repairs and having to file an insurance non-fault claim. We’re here to help.

Our goal at Caversham Coachworks is to make auto repairs as easy and stress-free as possible. We have years of experience managing claims and insurance paperwork, helping you avoid the back-and-forth with your insurance company so you can focus on getting back on the road.

From the newest hybrids and electric models to traditional petrol and diesel cars, our state-of-the-art Caversham and Abingdon locations can handle all kinds of vehicles. Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.