Beware dangers of dark driving conditions, motorists warned
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WITH the clocks due to go back in the early hours of Sunday morning, drivers and pedestrians are being urged to take extra care on the road as darker evenings can present their own distinct driving hazards.
Indeed, analysis of government statistics by DrivingExperience.com found that 1611 reported road casualties in 2019 were caused where poor visibility in darker driving conditions was a contributory factor, such as dazzling headlights or pedestrians wearing dark clothing, which will soon be more prevalent as the nights draw in.
Alex MacGregor from DrivingExperience.com said: “Year on year, there has been a significant number of incidents where driver visibility has resulted in a large number of accidents.
“All road users and pedestrians need to take extra care at this time of year, taking into consideration the change of circumstance as the clocks go back.”
In fact, government data shows in the last five years there have been more than 1600 reported road accidents when not displaying lights at night or in poor visibility was a contributory factor, while there have been almost 1500 reported accidents when dazzling headlights were a contributory factor.
The DrivingExperience.com analysis of the Department for Transport data also found that over the last five years there were more than 5700 reported accidents where a rider wearing dark clothing or a pedestrian wearing dark clothing at night was a contributory factor.
Mr MacGregor added: “As the darker months approach, just a few simple steps can make it safer for motorists and pedestrians.
“For drivers this includes keeping windscreens clear to reduce glare and condensation, while also remembering to dip the headlights when another vehicle is approaching.
“Meanwhile, pedestrians should consider bright clothing or reflective clothing, including arm and ankle bands or hi-vis jackets.”
For more information about DrivingExperience.com, or to discover more about its packages which include Skid Control, visit www.drivingexperience.com
