LARSOA calls for time change to save lives

LARSOA is calling on the government to stop changing the clocks at the end of October, to reduce road crashes and casualties.

Simon Ettinghausen, (below) chair of LARSOA, explained: "Research shows lighter evenings would result in around 450 fewer deaths and serious injuries.

"There are more collisions in the afternoon rush hour than in the morning peak time. Motorists are more tired after they have been at work so their concentration levels are lower. Children usually go straight to school in the morning but may have a club or after-school activity, which increases their exposure to the road environment. Social trips are also generally made in the afternoons and evenings. Extra evening daylight would protect vulnerable road users by making them more visible to motorists."

LARSOA is seeking a two to three year trial of SDST so all the implications can be assessed properly. Spokesman David Frost said: "The government says it is committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 40% by 2010. Introducing double British summertime could go a long way towards reaching this target."