It’s official – we’re almost on the finish of October.  It’s time to wave bye-bye to British Summer season Time (BST).  Relying on the place you reside within the UK, some may argue summer season by no means actually began. However regardless, right here we’re, preparing for the clocks to return on Sunday 29 October at 2am.

Fortunately for us, our telephones and cell units replace their time seamlessly.  So, once we get up it’s like that further hour by no means even occurred.  Other than the lie-in after all. However the impact on our our bodies, brains and behavior will be barely extra complicated. Analysis reveals that disrupted physique rhythm has an influence on focus and cognition and will result in fatigue, which might enhance the danger of accidents.[1]

The witching hours

So, what does our information inform us?  Because the nights attract, the accident fee for our prospects goes up by a 3rd (31%) between 5pm-8pm in October and November.  There may very well be a complete host of causes for this – from lack of daylight affecting visibility to climate impacting braking distances. And there will be elevated hazards when driving ‘on the darkish facet’.  Just like the glare of automotive headlights or ice on the roads.

However it doesn’t all spell dangerous information for drivers

Right here’s the excellent news. There are steps we will take to make us safer. In order the nights get darker, let’s lighten the load with some seasonal journey suggestions:

• Keep squeaky clear: Wash home windows and wing mirrors to keep away from elevated glare.
• Be switched on: This isn’t only for nighttime – use your headlights when climate makes it more durable to see.
• Gradual it down: Drive under the velocity restrict to present you extra response time.
• Preserve an eye fixed out: Concentrate on cyclists, and other people crossing at junctions. In the event that they’re carrying darkish clothes, they are often harder to identify.
• Really feel the stress: Examine your tyres repeatedly and preserve the air stress proper. How are you aware the very best ranges on your automotive? Have a look in your handbook, on the within of the motive force automotive door, or on gas filler cap.  And, as we sit all cosy within the driver’s seat, do not forget that tyres are in fixed contact with the street, and the weather.  Come rain, hail, or shine, they’re there to assist us.  So, they want a little bit of nurturing in return.
• Watch the clock: To keep away from being spooked when the nights attract, be ready that sundown will occur round 4pm in coming weeks.
• Watch out within the countryside: Look out for animals crossing in entrance of your automotive and potholes within the street. Each can take you unexpectedly on rural routes.

And don’t be haunted by remorse

Taking a number of small steps could make an enormous distinction to our driving.  There’s a complete mixture of things concerned in being safer on the street.  And it may possibly deliver rewards.  Clients can test Your Portal to maintain observe of your progress.  Your driving rating impacts the value you pay on renewal and might earn you Bonus Miles.

Keep in mind, the safer you drive, the additional you’ll go.

[1]https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/dialogue/mayo-clinic-minute-does-daylight-saving-time-change-disrupt-your-health/

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