Blog Post

Make sure your vehicle is ‘winter ready’ when the clocks go back.

October 18, 2019

The clocks go back on Sunday October 27th 2019

Are you and your car prepared for the darker nights?

We’re halfway through October and we’ll be enjoying an extra hour in bed soon. The clocks go back at 2am on October 27th 2019, signalling the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the UK will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Inevitably, once the clocks go back, the evenings will get darker. And although no-one is going to complain about being able to have a lie-in, there are campaigners that do not agree with our current practice. They would prefer for British time to be brought in line with other European countries, which would mean we would be an hour ahead of GMT during the winter months and two hours ahead in the summer.

Nick Lloyd, road safety manager for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents commented: “The clocks going back is a pivotal point in the year for road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, as there is less daylight in the evening at a time when with the weather is worsening.

“The statistics are clear – accidents and injuries can be reduced if we move to Single/Double Summer Time, and that is why RoSPA is urging the Government to take a fresh look at this issue and help save lives.”

This is unlikely to happen anytime soon; therefore it is important to remember that driving conditions are set to change once the clocks go back. The mornings will be lighter but the evenings darker. Night-time driving conditions are markedly different and more risky in comparison to driving during the day – statistics show that 40% collisions happen after dark.

This is because potential hazards are more difficult to see at night, including pedestrians and cyclists. Your eyes have to work harder than in the day, leading to tiredness and potentially slower reactions.

At night it is far more difficult to judge speed and distance, meaning that objects might look closer than they really are.

In addition, your body naturally starts to prepare itself for sleep at night. As it gets later, you may suddenly feel tired, often with very little warning.

And of course, it’s not just you on the road – other drivers may also be feeling the effects of night-time driving. Sadly, some may also be under the influence of drink or drugs, so it is incredibly important to stay vigilant and alert.

How to ensure you’re night-time driving ready

The most obvious way to minimise the chance of being in a collision is to avoid driving at night altogether. Although it is not possible for everyone, you can reduce the amount of night-time driving you do by staying in, walking (safely) or using public transport.

It is imperative that you stay vigilant when driving at night. Study the road ahead for oncoming drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

If you are concerned that you are getting tired, or planning on driving a long distance in the evening, ensure you plan a break every two hours.

Inexperienced or nervous driver? Why not book a refresher lesson at dusk with a driving instructor? You will gain more confidence and new skills specific to driving in the dark.

Of course, it doesn’t matter how prepared you are for night driving if your vehicle is not. A few simple checks can make all the difference:

Lights

If your front and rear lights aren’t working correctly, you are driving illegally. Check your lights to ensure they are clean and functioning correctly. Drive using your full beams unless there are other vehicles, in which case you need to dip them until they have passed. It is very easy to be dazzled by headlights so try to focus your gaze on the left hand kerb.

In addition, you should turn your lights on before the sun sets in the evening and leave them on for at least an hour after sun rise, as twilight and dawn can be tricky when it comes to visibility.

Windscreen

Dirty windscreens are more likely to steam up; you may also notice increased glare from other cars’ lights. Therefore, although it is important to keep your windscreen clean any time of year, it is even more essential once the clocks go back.

Windscreen wiper

Worn wipers won’t clean; they will just smear any moisture on the windscreen.

There is nothing worse than worn wipers that simply smear rather than clean. And this can be incredibly dangerous when driving at night. It’s essential that you replace worn windscreen wipers as soon as possible.

Speed

It is tempting to slow down when faced with oncoming traffic, then speeding up again once the vehicles have passed. However, this fluctuation in speed can be confusing to drivers behind you as it is more difficult to judge speed in the dark. Try to stay at a steady speed.

Keep your car regularly serviced

Any issues your vehicle may have are likely to be magnified once the clocks go back and the cold weather hits. Do you really want to break down on a cold, wet night?

If your car is due a service, or you are concerned about the condition of your vehicle, get in touch with M&BM Motors before the clocks go back on 27th October. We provide interim and full servicing as well as a comprehensive range of repairs on all makes and models. With M&BM Motors, you can be safe in the knowledge that your car is ready for night driving!

Call us today on 01375 379401 for more information.

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