Copyright birminghammail
It's Halloween weekend and celebrations are expected to be big this year, leading experts to warn drivers about the dangers while driving. As Bonfire Night falls on Wednesday next week, many will be celebrating the day in conjunction with Halloween this weekend. This means there will be plenty of loud bangs and bright flashes, all of which can be major distractions while driving. Read more: Keir Starmer breaks silence on claims income tax will be raised at November Budget According to GOV UK Road Safety Data, 292 road accidents were recorded on 5th November 2024, with 1,320 accidents in total across the wider week of Bonfire Night celebrations. The findings come alongside new research from MoneySuperMarket that shows over half of drivers (57%) find loud noises and flashes distracting when driving. The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 UK car owners, found that one in three motorists (32%) actively avoid driving when there are firework displays nearby, and a third of drivers (32%) say they’ve been startled by fireworks while driving. Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket , says: “Fireworks might be fun to watch, but they can pose a serious distraction for drivers, especially at night when bright flashes and loud bangs can catch you off guard. “Government data shows how many road accidents happen around Bonfire Night, and our own research reveals that many motorists say they have been distracted by firework displays while driving. “If you’re planning to be on the road during fireworks season, it’s worth taking extra precautions. Consider adjusting your route to avoid areas with large displays, and if you don’t need to travel, it might be safer to stay put. “Even small changes to your journey could help reduce the risk of an accident and potentially save you money on your car insurance in the long run.” Plan ahead If you know fireworks displays are taking place nearby, plan your route in advance to avoid high-traffic areas or display zones. Or if possible, try to make journeys before or after fireworks displays. Increase your distance between you and the car in front Sudden flashes and loud bangs can startle both drivers and pedestrians. If anything does make you jump while you’re driving, or if something distracts the driver in front of you, reducing speed and leaving extra space between the cars will give you more time to react and avoid a collision. See and be seen Smoke and debris from fireworks can linger in the air or fall onto the road, making it harder to see clearly and increasing the risk of accidents. If you’re driving during a display, switch your headlights to dipped beam to avoid dazzling other drivers and reduce glare from the smoke. In low-visibility conditions, consider using fog lights if your vehicle has them - but don’t forget to switch them off once visibility improves to avoid blinding others. Take breaks if needed If you or your passengers feel unsettled by fireworks, pull over in a safe place until the display finishes.
