Road safety risks increase as darkness sets in

Over the Easter break, folks in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory wound back the clocks an hour, marking the end of daylight-saving time.

While experienced drivers may be used to this shift, others may be caught unaware, potentially worsening road safety.

“The transition back an hour from daylight saving time means awareness on the roads can make an impact overnight rather than gradually, and that sudden shift brings an increase in risk,” said Adrian Bennett, General Manager of General Insurance at iSelect.

While most of Australia has enjoyed the extra hours of daylight for school runs and work commutes, this change can catch some drivers off guard.

“Drivers who have spent months leaving work or school in daylight are now doing so in twilight or darkness, with habits and expectations that haven't yet caught up,” said Bennett.

“That includes risks such as a greater likelihood of encountering animals on the road, with drivers unaccustomed to low-light conditions potentially failing to take the precautions needed to respond safely.”

Sun glare is another issue, particularly dangerous in autumn when the sun sits low on the horizon during the evening peak hour.

“Even just a few seconds of blinded vision can be devastating,” said Bennett.

“At speed, that's enough distance to miss a red light, a junction, or a pedestrian stepping out at a crossing. What makes this time of year especially concerning is that sunset aligns almost perfectly with peak commuting hours, meaning large numbers of drivers are navigating busy roads while they may also be facing directly into the blinding sunlight.”

But it’s not just drivers who are at risk; other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, face similar dangers.

“Many will be caught unaware by the sudden change, heading out without the high-visibility clothing or reflective gear that makes them visible to oncoming traffic,” said Bennett.

“Meanwhile, although gaining an extra hour of sleep may seem like a benefit, the disruption to the body's internal clock lingers, which could affect sleep quality and leave drivers drowsy at the wheel in the days that follow.”

But overall, the transition from daylight to night-time driving has the greatest influence on safety.

According to a 2022 study by the NRSPP at Monash University, Australians do just 25 per cent of their driving at night, yet 40 per cent of all road fatalities occur after dark.

This raises concerns for drivers who will spend more time on the road in the dark during this period.

“Driving in the dark is more dangerous because depth perception, colour recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily impact drivers’ sight,” said Bennett.

Fatigue can also be an issue, as driving when tired can seriously affect a driver’s ability to react, make decisions, and safely control their vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.

“Risk also comes from other drivers on the road,” added Bennett.

“The number of drivers under the influence of alcohol rises significantly after dark, particularly in the late-night and early-morning hours, leading to more accidents in the dark.”

While any location is at risk of these issues, rural roads carry the greatest risk according to Bennett, thanks to roads which are often narrower, with blind bends and limited safe places to pass other cars.

“They also often don't have pavements or cycle paths, yet are regularly used by cyclists and walkers, putting them at risk. You are also more likely to encounter animals on rural roads, which increases the risk of animal collisions. When all of this is considered, plus reduced visibility in the dark, which is amplified by minimal street lighting, these roads can be significantly more dangerous.”

Here are a few ways you can prepare.

When you set out on the road, the safest approach is to slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front, so you have more time to react if something unexpected happens.

Remember to turn your headlights on, and if oncoming headlights feel blinding, “try focusing on the left side of the road rather than looking straight at them,” adds Bennett.

“It’s also important to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists and animals, especially on rural or poorly lit roads where hazards can appear suddenly,” said Bennett.

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