Leeds motorists urged to stay safe in the dark as accidents increase

Marmalade issued their stay safe during the shorter days and darker nights message as British Summer Time (BST) ended and the clocks went back yesterday.

Statistics show accidents increase in the dark. Last year there were 273,205 reported accidents during darkness and 198,913 in daylight.

Crispin Moger, chief executive officer of Marmalade Insurance, said: “There are a number of contributing factors as to why the UK experiences an increase in road accidents in the dark, such as fewer daylight hours, difficulty in judging speed and distance, and poor car maintenance.”

The Department for Transport Road Safety Report for Accidents in 2016 also demonstrates seasonal peaks in road traffic accidents in the colder months, with autumn experiencing the highest number of just under 36,000 reported incidents.

Although national statistics demonstrate seasonal hikes in the number of accidents on the roads, insight into Marmalade claims data from 2016 shows that this hike was not present in the autumn as the claims rate remained consistent. Mr Moger added: “Despite the clock change initially adding an extra hour of sunlight in the morning, additional time is needed for our bodies to adjust to a revised routine. It’s really important that all drivers prepare their vehicles ahead of the winter months. Check your tyres for adequate tread and pressure, and check your light bulbs and coolant on a regular basis, as neglect can lead to a loss of grip on the roads, reduced visibility, and an overheating engine.”

The clock change has been a ritual since World War One when Daylight Saving Time was brought in to improve the economy by giving farmers an extra hour of sunlight to work in during the winter.

Car provider Marmalade specialises in black box insurance, also known as telematics insurance, which helps young drivers improve their driving skills and reduces the likelihood of being involved in accidents.

Its customers are three times safer than the national average, with only one in 16 having an accident within six months of passing their test.

Its chief executive officer Crispin Moger said: “We insure our customers on newer cars that are safer and less likely to break down, whilst equipping them with the ability to track their journeys and flag potential areas for improvement.”