As the clocks go forward, many of us feel that familiar jolt – an hour of sleep suddenly gone, and mornings that were finally bright are plunged back into darkness.
It’s no wonder we wake up feeling groggy, out of rhythm, and a bit slower to get going.
How the spring clock change really affects UK roads
You might expect accident rates to climb in spring, but the UK picture is more nuanced.
Analysis by the RAC Foundation found a fall in morning injury crashes in the two weeks after the clocks go forward[1]. This suggests that extra daylight later in the day may help counterbalance some of the risks.
The real seasonal spike appears in autumn, when darker evenings arrive abruptly. After the October clock change, injury collisions increase in the following two weeks, reflecting tougher driving conditions and reduced visibility.
Even though the research isn’t clear‑cut, giving yourself and your driving a bit of extra patience as you adjust can make all the difference.
Sleep is vital
Forcing ourselves to wake up with an alarm, rather than naturally, deprives our body of much‑needed sleep. Sleep is more than just a ‘switch‑off’ – it’s a carefully orchestrated programme of brain activity that helps us process memory, emotions, and creative thought.
Most of us really do need around 7–8 hours (even if we think we can cope with less). When sleep is short, concentration can dip, reaction times can slow, and mood can suffer – all things that can make driving feel harder than usual.
So, when the clocks go forward this spring, be prepared
A few small changes can make a big difference in the first week or two:
1) Ease into the new time
- Start going to bed 15–20 minutes earlier for a few nights beforehand if you can.
- Try to get outside in morning daylight (even briefly) to help your body clock adjust.
2) Make mornings calmer
- Give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing out the door.
- If you can, take a moment before driving to properly “wake up”, even a short pause helps.
3) Be extra careful on early commutes
- Expect darker mornings again for a while.
- Allow more braking distance and be especially alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
4) Avoid anything that increases drowsiness
- Be cautious with alcohol the night before.
- If you’re taking any medicine that makes you sleepy, don’t drive.
5) Make sure your car helps you be seen
- Check your lights are clean and working properly (especially if the roads are wet/dirty).
- Keep your windscreen clean inside and out to reduce glare.
Not only will it protect you, but fewer collisions also means less pressure on emergency services and the NHS.
If you’re looking for more spring‑ready tips, take a look at our guide on 5 ways to look after your car in spring.
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