As British Summer Time (BST) begins this weekend, the AA has urged motorists to take extra care on the roads, highlighting the increased risk of fatigue-related collisions following the loss of an hour’s sleep.
The AA warned that tiredness resulting from the clock change, which takes place in the early hours of Sunday 30th March, could impair driver performance and increase the risk of serious incidents.
Drivers are being reminded that winding down windows or turning up the radio are not effective ways to combat sleepiness behind the wheel. Instead, the AA advised taking a proper break.
On longer journeys, motorists should stop every two hours to rest and refresh. Additional advice on avoiding tired driving is available via the AA’s website.
According to the latest Great Britain Road Casualty Statistics for 2023, there were 1,326 collisions where the driver was deemed too tired to drive or ride safely. Of these, 43 were fatal.
Although driving when tired is not an offence in itself, the AA also warned that it substantially increases the likelihood of committing other serious driving offences, including causing death by dangerous driving – an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
The AA’s data also showed that 13% of drivers aged 18 to 24 said they did not believe tiredness affects their ability to drive, compared to just 2% of all drivers.
Additionally, 18% of young drivers admitted that they would usually continue driving even if they felt tired, in contrast to 3% of all motorists.
The start of BST also brings an increased risk of sun glare during early mornings and late afternoons, typically within an hour of sunrise and sunset.
In 2023, 2,430 road collisions were attributed to drivers being dazzled by sunlight, resulting in 38 fatalities.
Tony Rich, head of road safety at the AA, said: “Tired drivers pose serious risks to themselves and others – don’t become one of the statistics.
“Checking your vehicle over is only one part of the pre-journey preparations. Drivers should also make sure they feel ok to drive, especially as we lose an hour’s sleep this weekend.
“Drivers need to be alert at all times – if you start to feel tired whilst driving, stop in a safe place and take a break. Drink two cups of coffee or an equivalent caffeinated drink or take a short nap of around 15–20 minutes.”
The AA’s reminder came as part of its broader road safety efforts aimed at reducing preventable incidents and encouraging motorists to make informed, responsible decisions.
