AS the nights draw in road safety officials have been out and about in North Yorkshire warning road users of the dangers that darkness brings.

The clocks go back on Sunday, October 26, and the county council’s safety team have joined police visiting railway stations and town centres handing out advice.

They have been passing out a few measures that people can follow to help them stay safe on the roads during the long hours of darkness.

And in particular they are urging cyclists and motorcyclists to wear high visibility clothing and motorists to carry such clothing in case of emergencies.

The county’s executive member for road safety, Gareth Dadd said: “North Yorkshire is the largest county with the largest roads network in the country, many of them rural and unlit, so road users have to be particularly careful during winter months when we are all travelling in the dark for longer.

“It’s about seeing and being seen.”

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: "Drivers should make sure that they not only check that the vehicle's lights are working, but they are also regularly cleaned.

"All road users can play their part in keeping the road network across the county as safe as possible, by making sure they can be seen."

He added: "Police officers will be paying particular attention to vehicles' lights to ensure that they are not defective and they are bright.”