Road users up and down the country have been urged to ensure they are giving adequate thought to their ability to both see and be seen when taking to the roads in gloomy weather.

UK road safety and breakdown specialist GEM Motoring Assist has called upon drivers to be prepared for the darker days this winter by making themselves as easy to spot as possible for other road users.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth stated: "Drivers tend not to crash into things they can see. That's why taking proactive control of the lights you use is a good way to increase your safety and reduce your risk on winter journeys."

Indeed, Mr Worth offered a number of suggestions to boost overall levels of safety and visibility for drivers, including using dipped headlights when it gets darker than normal during the daytime, as well as carrying out regular checks that all of a vehicle's lights are working correctly.

Turning off automatic lighting systems that switch on the lights when it gets darker is also useful.  This may seem counterintuitive, but by turning the lights to a manual setting, it means the driver can have full control of the illumination of their car – this can be especially important in some newer vehicles, which only activate the headlights in low-light conditions. It is important to be seen all around.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "Visibility is everything when it comes to road safety. It is therefore essential for all drivers to make themselves as visible as possible in order to reduce their risk of becoming involved in a serious accident this winter."