Motorists are being urged to keep a pair of sunglasses in their cars this winter for low November sun. New police figures reveal that nearly one in eight autumn crashes recorded happen between 4 pm and 6 pm.
Temporary car insurance experts at Dayinsure analysed Freedom of Information (FOI) data on autumn collisions between 2021 and 2025 from 26 UK police forces.
Dayinsure found that of the 112,798 collisions with a disclosed time-of-day breakdown, 14,002 took place between 4 pm and 6 pm, equivalent to nearly one in eight.
North Yorkshire Police recorded 331 rush-hour collisions between 4 pm and 6 pm, accounting for 17.5% of the force’s disclosed autumn crashes. Similarly, autumn collisions in Surrey skyrocketed by 44.2%, climbing
from 1,546 in 2021 to 2,230 in 2025.
Police records show that the key commuting hour of 5-6 p.m. is the peak hour of the day for crashes nationwide, accounting for 7,093 collisions, with evening commute crashes outnumbering morning rush hour crashes.
Monday was identified as recording the highest overall collision volumes.
Dayinsure warns drivers that low November sun can dazzle motorists driving home, while after-dark glare from oncoming headlights is a major hazard during evening commutes.
John Cooper, Director of Insurance at Dayinsure, has shared five practical ways to manage glare behind the wheel.
Keep sunglasses in the car year-round
“Don’t automatically remove your sunglasses from the car when summer ends. A suitable pair can help reduce the impact of low sunlight, so keep them somewhere you can safely access when needed.
Keep your windscreen clean inside and out
“Dirt, smears and condensation can make glare worse. Regularly clean both sides of the glass and ensure your screen wash is topped up before longer journeys. Driving with an obstructed view of the road and traffic
ahead can lead to three penalty points and fines of up to £1,000.
Slow down when visibility is affected
“Whether you’re struggling with low sunlight or bright headlights, don’t continue driving at the same speed if you can’t see the road clearly. The Highway Code advises drivers to slow down and, if necessary, stop if dazzled by sunlight or oncoming headlights. Reduce your speed and, if necessary, find somewhere safe to stop.
Avoid staring at oncoming headlights
“If you’re dazzled by an approaching vehicle, avoid looking directly at its headlights. Keep your attention on the road ahead and remain particularly alert for pedestrians, cyclists and other less visible road users.
“If glare is coming from a vehicle behind, use your rear-view mirror’s anti-dazzling setting if fitted.”
Check how you’re using your own lights
“The Highway Code states that you must not use lights in a way to dazzle other road users. Make sure your lights are clean, working and correctly adjusted, and dip full beam when it could dazzle another road user.
“Dazzling other drivers with undipped headlights can be considered careless driving, with a fixed penalty of a £100 fine and three penalty points. In extreme cases, the courts can impose an unlimited fine, with
three to nine points or an unlimited fine.”
(Picture: Mycola Adams)
