The clocks go back this Sunday 27 October. 

Your Saturday night out can last a bit longer or you might get a sweet extra hour in bed on Sunday morning – bliss! But come Monday, you’ll feel differently about the clocks change.

The sun will set on Monday 28 October at 4.42pm compared to Monday 21 October when it sets at 5.55pm1 – that’s 73 minutes lost in evening sunlight. This can be a significant difference in your evening routine from the start of one working week to the next.

It’s not just depressing and the beginning of the SAD epidemic, this loss in evening sunlight has proven to be very dangerous for drivers. The analysis of our internal driving data shows there’s an increased risk in accidents between the hours of 5pm and 8pm in the weeks following the clocks change2.

The impact varies across the country with the North of England being one of the riskiest areas with a 48% increase in evening accidents between October and November2. Scotland and the East of England also see a sizeable increase in accident rates during the home time commute due to clocks change.

Have a look at the impact the clocks change has on accident rates in your area in our infographic below.

Clocks go back

Tips for driving in the dark

Overall, November has the highest number of road accidents in the UK – most of which happen during the evening commute (4-6pm)3. It’s obvious that driving in the winter is harder and more dangerous than in the summer, and it hits us hard when the season changes.

Here are a few tips to prepare for the shorter days:

  1. Reduce your speed to allow time to react if something unexpected happens.
  2. Turn on your headlights and keep them clean. 
  3. Keep your windows clean for better visibility.
  4. Dip your headlights so you won’t dazzle oncoming cars.
  5. Look out for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians who may be in dark clothing.
  6. Make sure you’re well-rested, the dark often makes us a bit sleepier.
  7. Beat the SAD with a good playlist – try our Safe Driving Playlist!

Choose the right car insurance and monitor your driving

At drive like a girl we do much more than just insure your car. We give you the chance to become a safer driver and save on your insurance.

We use telematics technology to gather information about your driving to evaluate your individual risk and give you a personalised renewal quote. The pocket-size black box fitted to your car also helps us provide tools that support you in becoming a better driver.

From speeding alerts to safe driving hours, you can track your driving online and learn how to drive safely. 

>> You can easily get a quote with us here.

 

1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2643743
2 Analysis of ITBL customer claims and driving data from 2015-2018 for evening rush hour – between hours of 5.00pm and 8.00 pm.
3 Analysis of all UK drivers in 2016 by Department for Transport.