Finland traffic safety concerns rise due to seasonal darkness and clock changes

The Finnish Road Safety Council (Liikenneturva) has issued warnings regarding increased driver fatigue as daylight hours decrease and the upcoming clock change disrupts circadian rhythms.

A survey conducted by the council indicates that four out of ten Finns feel more tired driving in winter than in summer. One in five drivers reported being frequently exhausted during dark autumn and winter mornings.

According to Liikenneturva Communications Manager Tuula Taskinen, fatigue is a significant safety risk that extends beyond falling asleep at the wheel. Reduced alertness can lead to observation errors, slower reaction times, and increased risks of rear-end collisions. The council noted that fatigue is a factor in approximately one in five fatal accidents in Finland.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend prioritizing adequate sleep, recognizing personal signs of exhaustion, taking frequent breaks, and planning long trips to utilize the brightest parts of the day whenever possible.