With the clocks having gone back an hour recently, the UK now faces lighter starts to the day but darker evenings heading into autumn and winter.

It means motorists up and down the country now need to pay additional attention when out on the roads, as the darker nights can present an increased risk for all travellers.

As a result, driving standards organisation IAM RoadSmart has issued some helpful advice for all road users across the UK, with the aim of ensuring all drivers and pedestrians can reach their destinations safely, even as the nights draw in.

Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart head of driving standards, said: “It might sound obvious, but you cannot drive the same way in the dark as you would in daylight – but that’s what a lot of people do.”

Helpful tips from the IAM to address this problem therefore include:

• Reducing speed to ensure any hazards up ahead can be reacted to effectively
• Using full beams in areas where street lighting is not available (remember to dip them when you see oncoming traffic)
• Keeping the windscreen and windows as clean as possible to ensure the best possible levels of visibility
• Vehicle maintenance is essential – take the time to check tyres are properly inflated and free from excessive wear and tear to ensure braking and handling are not affected.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “Darker evenings are a factor of autumn and winter. Drivers need to be fully prepared to tackle the extra challenges that this represents.”