Longer nights ‘bring higher accident risk’

As the days get shorter and Britain prepares to wind its clocks back an hour next weekend, motorists have been warned of the higher risk of accidents when driving in winter conditions.

According to moneysupermarket.com, November was the most dangerous month for drivers last year, with 16,928 motorists injured.

This was an eight per cent increase on the 15,659 people that were hurt in October and was also higher than the 16,771 injuries that were sustained in December.

"Figures clearly show that the nights drawing in leads to an uplift in road accidents," Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, commented.

"Motorists should prepare themselves and their vehicles now for these seasonal changes, whilst also making allowance in their driving for the potential actions of less responsible road users."

As well as ensuring that their insurance policy covers roadside assistance, drivers are advised to take precautions such as checking anti-freeze, oil level, hazard lights and tyre condition on their cars before setting off.

Car owners should also make sure they have items such as a torch, a reflective triangle sign, a first aid kit and jump leads in their vehicle.