Summertime in the UK is often associated with holidays, road trips and outdoor adventures, as so many people flock out into the sunshine to make the most of the warmer months.
However, the brighter weather also brings with it a notable increase in road accidents too, and understanding the factors contributing to this seasonal spike is crucial for drivers and fleet operators alike.
With schools, colleges, and universities on summer holidays, and many families embarking on staycations, our UK roads experience a significant uptick in traffic during summer.
This surge includes not only cars but also caravans, motorbikes, cyclists, and commercial vehicles too, such as HGVs, lorries or vans all heading out to keep up with increased summer demand. Naturally, this leads to more congested roads and a higher likelihood of collisions, and according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the combination of inexperienced drivers, busier timetables and increased traffic contributes to a rise in accidents during this period.
But what impact does this have? How much does UK summertime really contribute to road accidents?
Let’s take a look…
A Rise in Inexperienced Drivers
Summertime sees more young and newly qualified drivers on the road each year, eager to take advantage of their newfound independence over the holidays. Unfortunately, however, inexperience can lead to poor decision-making and increased accident rates, with data from Brake, the road safety charity indicating that 1 in 5 drivers crash within a year of passing their test.
Concerns Around Distracted Driving and Fatigue
Longer daylight hours and scenic routes can lead to drivers becoming easily distracted, whether that’s from adjusting the GPS, changing music, engaging in conversations or quite simply from being behind the wheel for too long without a break.
These distractions can all have severe – or fatal – consequences, with the World Health Organization noting that drivers who are distracted pose the highest road risk, and those using mobile phones are approximately 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Increased Drink Driving Cases
Summer festivities often involve alcohol, and some individuals make the dangerous decision to drive afterwards.
Despite strict laws, drink driving remains a significant issue during the warmer months, and the Department for Transport (DfT) reports a consistent rise in drink driving incidents during summer, emphasising the need for increased awareness and enforcement.
Vehicle Maintenance Challenges
Elevated temperatures can adversely affect vehicle performance, and so it is no surprise that overheated engines, tyre blows, and battery failures are more common in summer.
Regular maintenance checks such as topping up coolant levels and checking tyre pressures are essential to prevent breakdowns and accidents, however, many drivers delay or skip these necessary repairs during the summer months, assuming their vehicles are less likely to break down or that problems will resolve themselves.
This complacency can lead to avoidable faults worsening on the road, increasing the risk of accidents or breakdowns at inconvenient and sometimes dangerous times. In fact, according to the AA, a significant number of roadside assistance callouts during summer are due to preventable mechanical failures.
Diversions Caused by Roadworks and Infrastructure Projects
As many UK drivers will already be aware, summer is a preferred time for road maintenance and infrastructure projects as children are off school.
More frequent roadworks can leave drivers facing heavy congestion or choosing to take unexpected detours through narrowed lanes or uncertain terrains, therefore contributing to higher accident risks when they’re uncertain of their route or need to make sudden stops.
Visibility Issues Caused by Sun Glare
Bright sunlight can cause significant visibility issues, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sun is low on the horizon and its rays shine directly into drivers’ eyes.
This glare can temporarily obscure vision, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or important road signs, and the effect can be particularly dangerous when driving towards the sun as it increases reaction times and makes it more likely for drivers to misjudge distances or road conditions.
The DfT in fact, list sun glare is a contributing factor in a notable percentage of summer road accidents in the UK, particularly as drivers often underestimate how much this glare can impair their ability to drive safely and don’t always take proper precautions to protect their vision.
Navigating Summer Road Hazards With CVS
While summer offers many opportunities for travel and leisure, it also presents unique challenges on the road, with increased traffic, inexperienced drivers and environmental factors contributing to a higher incidence of road accidents during the season.
At CVS, we’re committed to promoting road safety and providing support to drivers year-round, helping claimants, insurers and businesses stay mobile and protected, whatever the weather.
To find out more about partnering with CVS, contact us today via our website, calling 0333 3609525 or emailing: enquiries@completevs.co.uk
