Lack of Rear Lights Leads to Crash in Devon and Cornwall During Severe Storm
A severe storm sweeping through Devon and Cornwall yesterday led to dangerous driving conditions, culminating in a crash reportedly caused by drivers failing to switch on their rear lights. The incident occurred during heavy rainfall and low visibility, as multiple vehicles on the A38 and M5 were seen driving without proper lighting.
The crash, involving two cars, occurred near Exeter and was largely attributed to one driver not having their rear lights on, making it difficult for following vehicles to see them clearly in the poor weather conditions. Eyewitnesses said visibility was drastically reduced due to the downpour, and many drivers on the road were struggling to see vehicles ahead of them.
A witness at the scene described the conditions as treacherous: "It was almost impossible to see more than a few metres ahead because of the rain and spray from the road. Some drivers had no lights on at all, which made it incredibly dangerous. I’m not surprised there was a crash."
Emergency services were quick to respond to the accident, and fortunately, there were no life-threatening injuries reported. However, the collision caused significant delays as the road was cleared and vehicles were removed.
Local authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of using their lights during poor weather conditions. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “In severe weather like we’ve seen today, drivers need to ensure their lights are on, both front and rear, to improve visibility for themselves and other motorists. Failure to do so can lead to dangerous situations, as was unfortunately the case in today’s incident.”
According to UK road safety laws, drivers are required to use their headlights in conditions of poor visibility, including during heavy rain, fog, and low light. Rear lights are particularly important to prevent vehicles from being hidden by road spray or rainfall.
As autumn approaches, weather conditions across Devon and Cornwall are expected to become more unpredictable, and motorists are urged to stay cautious on the roads, ensure their vehicles are properly lit, and adjust their speed to suit the weather conditions.