Release date: 26th March 2014

Trust My Garage shines light on driver safety as clocks go forward

As the clocks go forward on March 30, Trust My Garage is shining light on some the associated risks to driver safety.

While the UK will ultimately benefit from longer, lighter days as the country moves into British Summer Time (BST), the lack of an hour’s sleep over the weekend may lead to many motorists driving whilst tired, an issue that causes [1]one in five motorway crashes.

Trust My Garage is advising motorists to get an extra hour’s sleep over the weekend in order to counteract the clocks going forward, and also for them to be aware that their bodies can take up to a week to react to the change. During this transition period alertness levels can be drastically reduced, which can lead to road accidents.

The independent garage scheme is also urging motorists to listen to what their body is telling them, and if necessary, drivers should try and take a nap when parked somewhere safe and legal. Further problems can arise if motorists fail to remember to change their clocks and end up rushing to work in the morning, something that will take their focus away from the road and put their safety at risk.

Terry Gibson at Trust My Garage hopes that motorists will take on board the advice: “Overall the clocks going forward has a positive effect on the roads because we can all enjoy more hours of daylight, and we all know that driving in light conditions is safer than in the dark, but during the initial transition phase, when our bodies try to adapt, there can be issues,” he said.

“If a driver hasn’t had enough sleep then their alertness and concentration levels are dramatically reduced, and there can be terrible consequences to this. It’s a simple case of getting enough sleep over the weekend and then during the following week. In today’s fast paced world this can be a challenge but it really can be the difference between life and death.”

Trust My Garage is also advising motorists to prepare for sun glare when driving, with the sun sitting low in the sky in the morning and early evening. When the sun is low motorists can often find themselves dazzled and temporarily blinded, and should adapt their driving styles in order to stay safe.

“We’ve all been affected by sun glare but by being prepared you can remain safe,” Terry Gibson said.

“Make sure you always have a pair of suitable polarised sunglasses in the car with you, and don’t forget to pull your sun visor down. Reduce your speed when you’re driving towards the sun, and always be wary of how it’s affecting other motorists around you. Make sure also that your car has had a thorough service from a trusted garage before the clock change, to enhance your safety on the road.”

-ENDS-

About Trust My Garage

TRUST MY GARAGE (TMG) is a scheme developed for independent garages by the Independent Garage Association (IGA) to recognise the high standards of independent garages throughout the UK.

For further information, please contact:-

John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025, or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk