By Linzi Watson

Last updated 11:46, Monday, 20 October 2008

DRIVERS and pedestrians are being warned to take extra care in darker nights when the clocks go back an hour on Sunday.

Bleak: Pedestrians and cyclists should wear reflective clothing to make sure they can be seen

Pedestrians and cyclists are being urged to “Be Safe Be Seen” and drivers will be faced with difficult conditions on the county’s roads as the winter weather sets in.

With early frosts and leaves falling from trees contributing to the number of accidents at this time of year.

Children and parents are also being asked to take notice of the early sunsets and are encouraged to kit kids out in high visibility vests and jackets.

Kevin Tea, communications manager for Safer Roads for Cumbria, warned: “Body clocks are affected with the time change and can result in a reduction in awareness and driving ability until people adjust to the change.

“This time of year also sees a rise in the number of low speed collisions due to early frosts and leaves falling from trees and forming a slippery carpet on the roads,” he added.

“The sun is also lower on the horizon and this can result in drivers being partially blinded and completing manoeuvres such as pulling out of a junction while not seeing other vehicles on the road.”

Pedestrians and cyclists are also warned of the hazards darker evenings and mornings and are being encouraged to make sure that they reduce their chances by taking a few precautions.

Those walking at night should chose routes that are illuminated with street lights and cross at well-lit points.

Mr Tea added: “Pedestrians should wear something bright or fluorescent by day and reflective by night to help in this respect.

“Cyclists should make sure lights are fitted and working and a fluorescent jacket or reflective strip would reduce the risk of not being seen by other road users.”

It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a reflector at the back.

LWatson@cngroup.co.uk