Dazzling sun results in surge of road traffic accidents

According to newly published data concerning road traffic accidents in the UK, there has been a 12 per cent increase in accidents resulting from dazzling sun affecting motorists’ vision.
By Chad Reporter
Published 14th Oct 2013, 10:33 BST

Figures taken from The Department for Transport’s Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain: 2012 Annual Report reveal that the dazzling sun accounted for 2,905 accidents in 2012, compared to 2,592 in 2011.

The report highlights that 41 per cent of all sun-dazzle accidents last year were on A-roads, compared to 1.7 per cent on motorways.

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The risk of dazzling sun is particularly high during October, as sunset occurs earlier and increasingly coincides with rush-hour traffic.

The sun’s low position in the sky, combined with damper road surface conditions, poses a considerable problem for commuters. Prestone highlights that dirty, greasy or scratched windscreens reduce visibility and compound the problem, particularly during the autumn.

Weather-related conditions, such as rain, sleet, snow and fog were the second highest contributory factor, according to the new figures, accounting for 2,448 accidents in 2012. Headlight glare, spray from other vehicles and dirty, scratched or frosted windscreens were a factor in a further 814 accidents.

Have you experienced driving problems thanks to the weather? Get in touch with Chad and let us know, Email [email protected]

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