Drivers may have been pleased to see a return to warmer and drier conditions lately, but they have been urged to be just as careful on sunny evenings as they would on wet ones, as the glare could put them at risk of accidents.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has issued a warning that too much bright light can be just as dangerous as too little – and the shortening days are now resulting in the sun being right in people's eyes as they drive home from work.

Indeed, a report published last year by the AA showed that the glare of the setting sun at rush hour is responsible for some 3,000 accidents and 36 fatalities every year.

To help anyone who needs to be on the roads a lot, the IAM has issued some advice on how to stay safe this autumn.

Firstly, it said slowing down is the most important thing, no matter how much traffic is on the road behind, as this will decrease stopping distance in the event of a blockage ahead.

It also advised motorists to keep a pair of sunglasses in their vehicles even though summer has been and gone, as they can be a useful addition to a visor when the sun is especially low.

Another tip involved making sure rear-view mirrors can be tilted quickly whenever it is necessary, as the sun can come in through the back windshield and reflect from them to dazzle the driver.

Finally, the IAM recommended checking windscreen washing fluid regularly, as dirt and grime on the glass can obstruct vision when the light is directly on it.

Clearly, it is not just slippery leaves and lashing rain that road users have to be wary of as the new season gets underway.

Drivers will also need to be especially aware of bikes on autumn mornings and evenings, whether it is sunny or not. According to a recent AA-Populus report, 93 per cent of motorists state they sometimes find it hard to see bike riders, something that may be exacerbated by worsening light.