Early darkness, changing weather and people struggling with jet lag-like symptoms.
Yes, it is that time of the year again, when the clocks roll back by one hour to mark the end of British Summer Time.
Alongside the biannual change, happening on Sunday, October 26, at 2am, this also means more slippery conditions on the roads in the UK.
UK roads saw around 11% more crashes in the three weeks after the end of the BST between 2022 and 2024 compared with the preceding three weeks, figures from the AA motoring association’s Accident Assist show.
As a result, motorists have been urged to prepare well in advance for the dangers.
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What should you have in your car during winter?
Regardless of the weather, drivers should make sure that their vehicle is well prepared for any scenario – particularly in case of getting trapped in snow.
The Met Office has shared the lowdown on what each car winter kit should have.
Starting strong, with an ice scraper and de-icer – these are basic items but winter must-haves nonetheless.
Another must-have is a large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which does not require battery power, in case your phone battery dies.
Related to both of these, have an in-car phone charger so you can top up your battery is essential and can get you out of a sticky situation.
Other sensible items to pack are warm clothes, blankets, a high-vis vest, food and drink, shovels, a set of jump start cables, and sunglasses as the winter sun can seriously affect a driver’s visibility.
Driving in rain and floods
Just looking outside the window, it is easy to predict what the weather in the UK will be like in the coming months.
What is important to know is that heavy rain showers have become more common in recent years, leading to more flooding.
As with any bad weather, drivers should always slow down and drive to the conditions.
Dropping your speed will reduce the chance of a crash. It is a good idea to switch on the headlights too.
When it comes to floods, if there are any doubts about how deep the water is, drivers are urged to turn around and avoid going through it as flood water can ruin the engine and even write the vehicle off.
Driving in strong winds
Driving in such conditions can be really dangerous. The general rule of thumb is to cut the speed back immediately.
The faster the car is going, the more susceptible it is to strong gusts. There is also far more likely to be debris in the road, so going slowly will give more time to react to fallen trees for example.
If overtaking any large vehicles like lorries or buses, it is vital to give them as much room as possible.
Drivers should also be especially mindful of large open areas where there is no break in the winds, and avoid more exposed routes.
Driving in snow and ice
In severe conditions, it may be best to simply avoid driving at all unless the journey is essential.
But a summary of the Highway Road advice is: ‘Take care around gritters. Don’t be tempted to overtake. Slow down – it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room.
‘Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
‘If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don’t slam them on. If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial.’
Why sunglasses in winter are a must for drivers
Being blinded by sunlight while behind the wheel could lead to a serious accident.
Picking up a pair of sunglasses is a good first step before setting off. Experts recommend having a pair with polarised lenses, which can help against glare and direct sunlight.
In bright conditions, don’t forget to pop down the sun visor as it can help block out some sun.
Drivers should give their windscreen a good wipe before setting off because a dirty windscreen can worsen the glare.
If you are caught in low sun, leave double the space between you and the car in front for a bit of extra time in case of a sudden stop.
And in the worst case, if you can’t see anything because of the glare, pull over in a safe place until the sun moves or dips.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@zaia news.co.uk.
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