23 October 2002: The RAC School of Motoring has offered advice on driving in the increasingly dark autumn and winter evenings, as the clock goes back this bank holiday weekend.

If dazzle from oncoming cars means you can’t see properly, slow down as the road ahead of you may not be clear. And don’t be an inconsiderate dazzler yourself – keep your own lights off full-beam

Always use dipped headlights when following other vehicles and in built-up areas

Cyclists and pedestrians won’t necessarily be wearing light-coloured clothes – so keep a special watch for them, especially in areas without street lighting or proper footpaths

Keep all windows clean – both inside and out.

Never overtake unless you are absolutely certain it is safe to do so. It is much more difficult to judge a safe gap in the dark

If you wear glasses, clean the lenses and avoid tinted ones

Always drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance revealed in your lights

Space should be maintained all around your car to give you time to react to unexpected events safely – particularly in darkness.

"Most new drivers will eventually pick up the necessary skills of driving in the dark and following the guidelines," says Robert Taylor, managing director of RAC Ireland.