Urgent warning to drivers ahead of October 25 as UK-wide change coming

Urgent warning to drivers ahead of October 25 as UK-wide change coming UK drivers are being made aware of the issues they may face as a result of the change An urgent warning has been issued to drivers ahead of October 25, when a major change will take place across the UK. Motoring specialists are urging drivers to be extra vigilant ahead of dark nights and adverse weather. When clocks go back an hour on Sunday, October 25, Brits will see the sun setting around 4.50pm, meaning that many commuters will be driving home in the dark. Driving in the dark can be tricky because reduced natural light narrows your field of vision, slows your reaction time, and makes your eyes struggle with contrast and glare. Ahead of October 25, Blackcircles.com are reminding drivers what to check when navigating darker roads. James Harding, a motoring specialist with 16 years of experience at Blackcircles.com, warned: "Unlit roads can be more dangerous, especially to cars with less powerful headlights. Reduced visibility often means that sharp bends, debris and standing water can appear much later than they usually would. "You may also not notice loose gravel, mud, potholes or broken edges until you are close." He added: "Before you set off, you must also check that your tyres have the correct pressure and adequate tread. Having a good grip is especially important when you are unable to see road surfaces." Why can the clocks going back be a problem for drivers? According to car experts, the clocks going back significantly affects drivers by shifting daylight hours, which causes a sharp spike in road accidents and evening driving risks. When the transition from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) takes place, peak evening rush hours are suddenly plunged into darkness. This leads to a documented increase in traffic accidents and injury claims of 11% to over 20% in the following weeks. Vehicle collisions rise by about 11% in the fortnight following the autumn clock change, according to the AA. Data from Zurich Insurance shows that accidents between 4pm and 7pm jump from 25% to 30% after the shift. Drivers must contend with reduced visibility, a low-lying autumn sun that can cause severe glare, and poorer weather conditions like rain, fog, and slippery fallen leaves. These hazards make vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders, much harder to spot, creating a particularly dangerous environment for young, new, or business fleet drivers who are statistically at a higher risk of crashing during this seasonal shift. How to drive safely in the dark: Look well ahead, not just directly in front of the car. Scan for bends, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, road debris and changes in the road surface. Expect potholes and road-edge hazards. If you can't clearly see the road surface, reduce speed rather than suddenly swerving at the last moment. If you see a pothole, brake before it if you have enough distance, rather than braking hard while you're already going over it. Keep the steering controlled and don't make a dangerous last-second swerve. Leave more space. A larger following distance gives you additional time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes or encounters something. Be particularly careful on bends. You may not be able to see an approaching vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian or obstruction around the corner. Slow down before reaching any bends in the road. Slow down when visibility is limited. It is important to drive slowly, at a speed where you can safely stop if you notice hazards in the road. Use headlights correctly. On an unlit road, use full beam when appropriate, but dip it for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle to avoid dazzling the driver. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists can be surprisingly difficult to see on dark roads, particularly if they're wearing dark clothing. Be sure to keep an eye out for anyone walking or cycling, and give them plenty of passing space. James continued: "If you've recently driven down a particularly rough, dark road and notice vibrations, a steering pull, or loss of tyre pressure, it is important to check your tyres promptly."