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The switch to winter time leads to a 42% increase in road accidents in November, warns the National Interministerial Observatory for Road Safety, particularly during office hours. However, a few simple actions can limit the risks.
“Do we sleep an hour more or less?” Twice a year, the eternal debate is back when it comes time to change. As we prepare to switch to winter time (to set back the clocks an hour and therefore sleep an extra hour), a study carried out by road safety reminds us of the risks in terms of road accidents. road.
Effects on visibility while driving
As a result of the time change, visibility is reduced for motorists at the end of the day. “Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., it will suddenly get darker when leaving school and work”, alert road safety on its website. As a result, pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, and other vulnerable users will be less visible at busy times, thus increasing the risk of accidents.
The number of accidents increased by 42% during the month of November, according to figures from the National Interministerial Observatory for Road Safety (ONISR). The two most risky time slots are those corresponding to office and school hours. In 2019, the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. slot saw an increase of +18%. That from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. an increase of +50%.
Avoid dark clothes
To limit the risk of accidents, a few reflexes should be adopted according to the road prevention association. Dark clothes are only visible in car headlights from 30 meters away, while light clothes are visible from 50 meters away. A distance that extends the driver’s reaction time to adapt his driving. Another possibility is the reflective strips, which are visible at 150 meters. These retro-reflective devices can be applied over clothing, in the form of vests, armbands or even backpacks.
In the case of bicycles, the practice of which is on the increase, in particular due to the energy crisis, certain equipment must be present, such as red reflectors at the rear and orange at the level of the pedals, as well as a white light in front. For electric scooters, they must be equipped with “a white light at the front, another, red, at the rear, and rear and side reflectors”, lists Road Safety.
Finally, vigilance is required on the rules to be applied in the street. For pedestrians, having the right of way does not mean crossing carelessly. For cars, pay attention to blind spots and check that no vehicle is approaching before opening your door. For cyclists, indicate your direction before turning, by extending your arm for example. So many small gestures that can save lives.