Motorists are being warned that their usual journeys could feel very different once the clocks go back on October 25. The change means darkness will arrive much earlier, while rain, fog and other autumn conditions can make hazards harder to spot.
The clocks officially go back by one hour at 2am on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the UK moving from British Summer Time back to Greenwich Mean Time. For many commuters, the biggest practical difference will be that evening journeys take place in darkness much earlier than they have done during the summer.
Expert Advice on Unlit Roads
James Harding, a motoring expert at Blackcircles, has issued a reminder to drivers to prepare for darker roads, particularly where street lighting is limited. He said: "Unlit roads can be more dangerous, especially to cars with less powerful headlights."
"Reduced visibility often means that sharp bends, debris and standing water can appear much later than they usually would. You may also not notice loose gravel, mud, potholes or broken edges until you are close."
"Before you set off, you must also check that your tyres have the correct pressure and adequate tread. Having good grip is especially important when you are unable to see road surfaces."
Highway Code Guidance
The advice is backed by official Highway Code guidance, which says drivers must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced and should be able to stop within the distance they can see clearly. In wet weather, stopping distances can be at least double those on dry roads because tyres have less grip.
Drivers are also being encouraged to think further ahead rather than concentrating only on the section of road immediately in front of them. Looking for bends, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and changes in the road surface can give motorists more time to react.
Adjusting Driving Habits
Potholes and damaged road edges can become particularly difficult to judge after dark. Blackcircles recommends braking before a pothole when there is enough distance to do so, rather than braking sharply while driving over it or making a sudden swerve.
Following distances are another area where motorists can make a simple adjustment. The Highway Code says drivers should keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front in wet conditions, while RoSPA advises increasing following distances significantly when winter conditions reduce grip.
Headlights also need to be used properly, rather than simply switched on and forgotten about. The Highway Code says drivers must not use lights in a way that dazzles or causes discomfort to other road users, while full beam should be dipped when necessary.
RAC advice also highlights the importance of keeping windscreens clean, as condensation and dirt can reduce visibility and increase glare from approaching headlights. Drivers are advised to watch carefully for children, cyclists and animals, which can be harder to see on darker roads.
Harding explained: "If you've recently driven down a particularly rough, dark road and notice vibrations, a steering pull, or loss of tyre pressure, it is important to check your tyres promptly."
With shorter daylight hours arriving after the clocks change, checking the car before setting off and adapting speed to the conditions could help motorists deal with hazards sooner.
