Warning to anyone driving between 5pm and 7pm this weekend

Motorists could be at risk driving home from work between the hours of 5pm and 7pm from this weekend, according to experts. Dave Thompson, Claims Director at Tesco Insurance, stressed there could be a spike in traffic collisions once the clocks go back this Sunday.

Experts stressed the annual Autumn clock change will mean the evening rush hour commute will instantly switch from light to dark. The sudden change in lighting could catch many drivers out, leading to a rise in accidents and therefore a surge in car insurance claims. This could backfire on road users, with car insurance claims likely to lead to higher premiums in the long run.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dave said: "The change in light levels is an annual shock to the system for many drivers. We are moving from months of daylight commutes to suddenly driving home in pitch darkness, all while battling the glare of oncoming headlights and increasingly inclement weather.

“The lack of familiarity with night-time driving, combined with the stress of the evening rush can result in more collisions than we’d normally see at that time of the day throughout the rest of the year."

The clocks change from BST to GMT, losing an hour, at 2am on Sunday October 26. According to data from Tesco Insurance, claims for traffic collisions immediately increase every year following the clock change.

Separate figures from the AA suggest that crashes rise by around 11% in the fortnight after the clocks change. An online survey of 3,006 drivers found that 81% of road users dislike driving in the dark.

A total of 49% of those polled said they didn't like bright headlights, with a further 31% unhappy with unlit roads. Apparently, a whopping 27% of road users admit to a general feeling that they struggle to see as well in the evening.

Tesco Insurance has urged road users to conduct a range of simple checks on their vehicles ahead of the sudden change. They said it was vital that road users ensure all lights are clean and working correctly with all the bulbs replaced.

Motorists should also try and avoid being dazzled by other vehicles with anti glare glasses likely to help.