For drivers, the change in the hour heralds months of commuting or doing the school run in the dark. Pedestrians, other road users and signs become more difficult to see.  Add to that the fact that the weather gets worse and you have a recipe for disaster – and that’s why you need to take extra care.

Many drivers also report feeling more drowsy at this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), caused by lack of daylight, has become a well-known problem and is said to affect one in 20 people in the UK. But you don’t have to be diagnosed with SAD to lack energy at this time of year - getting up in the dark does it for most people.

So, what can drivers do to minimise these problems and make sure they and other road users are safe?  Here are a few tips from top RAC Patrol, Crackers Patel:

• Spend a few minutes checking lights and brakes to make sure they’re in good working order
• Clean your lights  - a quick wipe over means you’ll see better and, crucially, you’ll be seen more easily too and carry a spare set of bulbs
• Don’t forget to turn your lights off when parked - RAC anticipates a 15% increase in flat battery callouts due to vehicle lights being left on over the winter months compared to summer months.
• Clean the inside and outside of your windscreen - a smeared windscreen can cause glare when driving at night or when the sun is low in the sky.
• Make sure your screen wash is working and top it up with the correct fluid, and check your wiper blades.
• Autumn leaves and weather can make the roads slippery so check your tyres. Make sure they are at the correct pressure, that the rubber is in good order and that the treads meet minimum requirements – 1.6mm for cars, vans and light trailers and 3mm when it’s wet.
• If you feel tired – pull over and rest for half an hour.

For extra peace of mind at this time of year, check you have adequate breakdown cover. RAC Breakdown Cover is now available with up to 34.5% on-line discount, which means cover from just £28. It’s really not worth the gamble to drive this coming winter without breakdown cover and at least by becoming an RAC Member, next time you’re driving somewhere in the dark, you’ll know an expert Patrol will aim to be at your side within 40 minutes.