As we move into autumn and winter, risky weather conditions, such as rain, fog and high winds become more common.

This week sees the UK being hit by yet another storm involving high winds and torrential rain.

This only makes driving more difficult and dangerous. It means drivers need to increase their vigilance on the road and drive in appropriate ways suitable to the conditions.

Inclement

Data sourced by Uswitch reveals how much different weather conditions increase chances of a car crash.

Temperatures are beginning to drop. Rain has already been surprisingly intense in areas over the last few weeks with flash flooding. We have already begun to witness icy roads over night in the very North of the country, and it’s been a surprising change after unseasonably warm September and October. The concern is that drivers are even more unprepared for the variable conditions that global warming seems to be delivering.

The top 5 worst months for driving accidents

Month

Number of accidents recorded in 2021

November

9,975

September

9,871

October

9,711

June

9,632

July

9,608

Source: Uswitch.com

November is the worst month for car accidents in the UK, with a total of 9,975 accidents recorded in November 2021. This is 90% more accidents than February, the month when the least driving accidents occurred (5,237).

September proved to be almost as treacherous, with 9,871 recorded driving accidents in 2021, just 1% less than November October followed closely behind with 9,711 car recorded accidents.

 Weather conditions with the biggest impact on road safety

Weather condition

Share of weather condition in 2021

Percentage of accidents in 2021

Impact of weather condition on traffic accidents

Rain

4.7%

11.6%

148%

Fog

0.2%

0.5%

221%

High Wind

1.5%

2.2%

44%

Snow & Ice

2.3%

2.6%

15%

Source: Uswitch.com

The highest percentage of car accidents (almost 12%) occurred when there was rain present. While rain increases the chances of an accident by 148%, wet roads are statistically still not as dangerous as reduced visibility. Fog increases the chance of accidents by 221%.

Although fog occurred less than 0.2% of the year, it was present in one in 20 of all traffic accidents.

Pace your driving

According to Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, speed is of the essence in all conditions.

“One of the most important things to do when driving during any wet, windy, icy or foggy weather is to drive slowly. Doing so will ensure you have more control of the vehicle and extra time to react to any dangers that might appear.

“Leaving extra space than usual can also help with giving longer reaction time, especially when visibility on the road is limited.

“Make sure to be extra careful when turning corners and breaking. Try slowing down, or using fog lights, to help other drivers see you.

“On a wet road, the braking distance is doubled, and while on an icy road that distance is multiplied by 10. Slowing down can significantly reduce the risk of accidents happening.

“In the event weather conditions become too extreme, make sure to find a safe space to pull over your vehicle and wait for conditions to improve.”

You can see more info from Uswitch here