As the warmth of summer gives way to autumn, the leaves turn brown and the days get shorter, motorists will have many reasons to be cautious, as the risks of road accidents will increase.

Whether due to poorer light, fog, worse weather conditions including wet and slippery surfaces, storm debris or wet leaves concealing potholes, autumn can bring a range of increased perils, making it more likely you may need emergency car window repair services.

Official data on road accidents can offer an insight into the dangers that exist at different times of the year and indeed the day.

Statistics for 2020 will be skewed from normal years because lockdown meant fewer cars on the road at certain points (such as a far lower number of car accidents in April), but it was notable, for example, that before the pandemic there were just over 6,600 accidents in February compared with almost 7,000 in January; February is, of course, a lighter month.

The 2019 figures, unaffected by lockdowns, reveal an interesting picture. The actual numbers of car accidents were lowest in the early months of the year, perhaps because many would avoid driving in bad weather. But it was also notable that the highest monthly figure – over 8,000 – came in November, with December the second highest.

Other data shows that the number of car accidents is much higher on urban than rural roads, with A roads having the highest numbers. That may be speed-related, while the business of roads in the evening rush hour accounts for the fact that, year after year, accidents have been most common between 16.00 and 18.00.

The latter two sets of figures are not seasonal, but put together all these show that for motorists, autumn is a more dangerous time to be on the roads, with the peak risks coming when this combines with the rush hour and major roads.