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Evening crashes rise after clocks change

Crash time! October clock change chimes for three weeks of added carnage – AA Accident Assist

  • Since 2022 there have been more crashes in the three weeks after clock change than before
  • Tips to remain safe when driving in autumn evenings
  • “Traditional evening traffic jams could be nicknamed ‘crash hour’” says MD of AA Accident Assist

23 October 2025

Drivers are warned by AA Accident Assist to be more cautious on the roads between 4pm and 7pm after the clocks go back this weekend (Saturday night).

Since 2022, there has been an 11% increase in crashes during the evening rush hour in the three weeks after the autumn clock change, compared to the three weeks before the clocks fall back.

“Darker evenings seem to be catching some drivers out, which has led to more collisions on the roads.”
Tim Rankin managing director, AA Accident Assist

As well as the likelihood of inclement weather, darker evenings may have been catching some drivers out following the end of British Summer Time. In addition, during the day low lying sun and its reflection off wet roads can create visibility problems for drivers so it is worth having a pair of sunglasses to hand.

AA Accident Assist is asking drivers to check their vehicle over as well as allowing more space from the vehicle in front, particularly in wet or icy conditions.

AA Accident Assist’s Autumnal Advice

  1. Leave more distance between you and the car in front – create at least a four second gap
  2. Ensure tyres have at least 2mm tread depth and are pumped up correctly
  3. Get brake discs and pads checked and replaced if necessary
  4. Check all bulbs are working so you can see hazards, and others can see you
  5. Look after windscreen and wiper blades – give yourself the best chance to see everything on the road
  6. Angle your mirror in the dark so that lights from behind aren’t reflected straight in your face
  7. Be more cautious around schools and poorly lit areas – always check for cyclists and pedestrians

Autumn driving

Tim Rankin, managing director for AA Accident Assist, said; “After the clocks go back, the traditional evening traffic jams could be nicknamed ‘crash hour’ for the weeks following the change.

“Darker evenings seem to be catching some drivers out, which has led to more collisions on the roads. Many of these crashes could have been avoided by simply keeping up with vehicle checks or by adjusting to autumn driving.

“Arguably, the best change would be to double the gap advice in the Highway Code** and leave a four-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front. Most incidents involve a car running into the back of another, so allowing more time to stop could be the difference between a near miss and an expensive claim.”

* Data from internal AA Accident Assist figures, 21 days pre and post the 2022, 2023 and 2024 October clock change

** Highway Code Rule 126 says;

“You should

  • leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance
  • allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. he gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads
  • remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front

If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front.”