Whether you agree or not with the odd phenomenon of changing the clocks twice a year, the facts are that after the clocks are put back in late October each year, we see a marked increase in road accidents.

This spike is potentially caused by the overnight change in driving conditions during the evening rush hour. Many people find it much harder to see in lower light, and may be out of practice with night driving. The road they were comfortable with suddenly looks different under streetlights.

 

Couple this with the fact that most pedestrians will be unprepared for the change, and don’t wear reflective clothing to make them more visible in the dark. This unfortunately includes children making their way home from school in the dark for the first time in months.

The increase in accidents forms the core of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) argument for a change in the current British Summer Time (BST) system. They propose that the UK should adopt a system called “Single/Double Summer Time” (SDST) whereby we would be 1 hour ahead of BST during the Winter, and 2 hours ahead in the Summer.

The main stumbling block of the SDST system however is that in Northern Britain and Ireland, the winter sunrise wouldn’t come until 10:00am. This could potentially achieve no more than a change in the time road accidents happen in the winter, with incidents happening during a frosty morning rush hour and school run, rather than the dark early evenings as we see now.

However you look at the problem, there are still only 7 hours and 49 minutes of daylight during the shortest day on December 22nd, so with any system there will be either dark mornings or evenings. It is possible that the real issue is the sudden overnight change in conditions, with drivers and pedestrians alike adapting better to a gradual change in light levels.

Would it be better then to instead adopt a system where there is no change in the clocks, and it is the same time all year round? Some have suggested a preference among the general public for adopting the same time all year round, whether it be BST or GMT. Bills to this affect have been debated in the commons numerous times over the years, but no definite decision has ever been made. However the debate progresses, it is important your fleet drivers are aware of the increased risks at this time of year.

At Bridge Fleet Solutions, we are committed to making the UK roads a safer place while saving you money. If you are interested in learning more about our fleet tracking and management solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0208 402 2350 or email info@bridgefleetsolutions.co.uk.