With the nights getting dark, drivers are being reminded to be aware of vulnerable pedestrians that might not be easily seen.
Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, explained the number of incidents on UK roads involving pedestrians increases in winter, especially between 3pm and 7pm as dusk falls.
Drivers are advised to keep a check on their speed as it is twice as likely a pedestrian will die if they are hit at 35mph, compared to 30 mph.
Children are often difficult to be seen so people should take extra precaution around schools and buiult up areas.
Mr Gladman said: “In a perfect world pedestrians would all be on the pavement and would never have to cross a road, in a near perfect one a pedestrian on a road would be wearing flashing high viz and your car would be shouting about their presence – in our real world it is up to us to share the road space, be aware and help where we can.
“An effort to be courteous will go a long way to making someone’s day and will help keep us all safe.”