As the clocks go back on Sunday, October 26, British summertime will officially draw to a close. Consequently, motorists will encounter extended nights, a lower sun in the sky, and inevitably – an increase in seasonal road hazards.
What numerous drivers fail to recognise is that minor actions could not only endanger them, but also result in thousands in fines as well as several points on their licence under the Highway Code.
Smart dashcam firm Nextbase’s recent research reveals the most frequent errors motorists commit when adapting to dimmer evenings, and how straightforward adjustments can avert collisions and fines altogether.
Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, has shared his expert tips on how to avoid motoring fines as the days get shorter and nights get longer across Britain.
Reduce that phone brightness — it could save you £1000
Bryn cautions drivers: “As the evenings draw in earlier and drivers rely more on their phone for satnav or hands-free calls, remember to turn your screen brightness down. A glaring screen can impair drivers’ night vision and distract you from the road ahead, potentially putting you at risk of prosecution.”
He continues: “The issue is more widespread than you might think, with our research finding that nearly a quarter of drivers (23%) would go as far as to use their phone to join work calls while driving, highlighting just how easily it is to get distracted.”
While it’s legal to use a phone hands-free when properly secured, drivers could still face hefty penalties if police believe it’s causing dangerous driving. A distraction-related offence can result in a £1000 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence.
Forget those British manners — they could cost you £1,000
Bryn warns: “When driving in darker evenings, many motorists flash their headlights to say “thank you” or signal that another car can pull out. While it feels like a harmless gesture, the Highway Code is very clear, flashing headlights should only be used to warn other road users of your presence. Using them for any other reason could be considered misleading, and if it contributes to an accident, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 for careless driving.”
He further notes: “Interestingly, our research has found that 32% of drivers didn’t agree with this rule, meaning a significant number may be putting themselves at risk and flashing their lights, risking those points and fines. Instead, a simple wave will do or, if you can resist the British urge, don’t say thank you at all, it could save you thousands.”
A 15-minute service station break could save you up to £5,000
The road safety expert explains: “With the clocks going back, thousands will be driving home in the dark for the first time in more than six months, and many drivers underestimate how quickly their alertness can decline when driving in darker conditions. Reduced visibility, long, tedious stretches of road, and natural dips in our body clock can cause microsleeps, brief, involuntary lapses in attention that last only a few seconds but are enough to trigger serious accidents.”
He advises: “The solution is to take regular breaks – 15 minutes every two hours – yet our research shows that 42% of drivers either do this rarely or never at all. Failing to manage fatigue behind the wheel is not only dangerous, it can also be classed as careless or dangerous driving, carrying fines of up to £5,000, up to 9 penalty points, or even a driving ban, depending on the severity of the incident.”
Make this your next Autumn read — or it could set you back up to £2,500
Statistics show that 35% of motorists haven’t looked at the Highway Code since passing their driving test. Additionally, nearly half of drivers (48%) admit they don’t take the Highway Code seriously enough.
Bryn says: “The Highway Code exists to protect and educate. With nights getting darker and visibility reduced, now is one of the most dangerous times of year to drive. Reviewing the Highway Code regularly can help prevent accidents, avoid fines, and ensure you’re not unfairly blamed if something goes wrong.”
Invest in an extra pair of eyes
The road safety specialist suggests investing in dash cams, stating: “Dark nights bring reduced visibility and hidden hazards that can increase the risk of accidents. While a dash cam won’t prevent incidents from happening, it provides crucial evidence if you’re involved in an accident that’s out of your control.
“When bad weather and reduced visibility lead to someone crashing into you or other unavoidable incidents, clear footage can be your best defence in insurance disputes and help establish what really happened when visibility was poor.”
