Walkers, cyclists and runners are urged to make themselves easily visible when out at night.

Hertfordshire County Council is encouraging people to ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ by wearing high visibility clothing.

Road safety officers have been to stations and schools to promote their message.

Lack of visibility is a major contributory factor in accidents and near misses.

Cllr Ralph Sangster, cabinet member for highways, said: “It’s easy to think that, because you can see the cars clearly, they can see you.

“A lot of people don’t realise that wearing dark – or even just unreflective – clothes can make it very hard to spot until it’s too late.

“That’s why we’re urging people to wear reflective clothing when they’re near roads after dark.”

Commuters, dog walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders are some of the people at risk day and night.

Cyclists have also found it difficult to see pedestrians wearing dark clothing.