RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
October 25, 2001
CLOCKS GO BACK AND ROAD ACCIDENTS RISE - RoSPA
Changing the clocks this weekend will mark the start of the peak season for road accidents, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today. Only if road users take more time and more care over the next few weeks will the annual surge in accidents witnessed each November be halted.
In the long term, RoSPA would like to see a change in the law so that evenings are lighter all year round. This could prevent around 450 deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads each year.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "Putting the clocks back is the signal for the number of road accidents to begin to increase. Darker evenings and deteriorating weather conditions are bad news for anyone out and about on our roads."
The number of people injured on Britain's roads in November last year was 30,515 - an increase of 1,562 on the previous month. Deaths also rose from 289 to 306.
Kevin Clinton said: "Everyone can play a part in trying to ensure the expected rise in deaths and injuries is as small as possible this year. The Government should look again at altering the law on the way we change our clocks so that evenings are lighter at this more dangerous time of the year and in the summer too."
In the meantime, motorists should watch their speed as the nights become darker, and be aware that they are less likely to see vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. People should check their lights and brakes and have their cars serviced for the winter.
Parents should ensure their children wear bright clothing, preferably with fluorescent or reflective strips. They should check cycles to make sure reflectors are clean and fit new batteries to lights.
Children should be reminded that it will soon be dark on their way home and that it will be difficult for motorists to see them.
"It would be wonderful if when we see the final accident statistics for this year, the November increase is not as steep as usual. But that cannot happen if we do not all take more care and give ourselves and others more time when we are using the roads," Kevin Clinton said.
