DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care as the darker nights draw in.
See and be seen in the dark is the message as clocks went back at the weekend.
The warning came as figures revealed that 300 people were injured in the dark on Kirklees roads between last November and February this year.
Clr David Payne, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for environment and trans- portation, said: "This has always been the worst time of year for road crashes, mainly because of the longer nights and bad weather.
"Darkness increases the risk of being in a crash by about a third."
Top tips for drivers include:
* Make sure the lights are working and windscreens are clean.
* Go at a lower speed - cyclists and horse riders can be difficult to spot against a background of oncoming car headlights.
* Prepare for people stepping out suddenly from shadowed pavements.
Clr Payne urged pedestrians to try to cross roads under a street light
They should also remember that they can see the traffic a lot easier than drivers can see them, he said.
Clr Payne added: "Anyone out walking or riding in darkness can make themselves safer by wearing reflective material which works by directing light from vehicles back to the drivers.
"Cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians who use reflective items such as pendants, armbands or stickers are five times more visible to drivers."
* Kirklees Council's road safety unit has a limited supply of reflective and fluorescent hedgehog stickers to give away. Ring 01484 221163.
