Motorists offered autumn driving advice

Autumn can present a number of hazards on the roads, so the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has offered some top tips to help drivers stay safe.

It warns that a patch of wet leaves can be as treacherous as standing water, so it's important to take care and slow down before driving onto them.

"Be aware that there may be a dip or pothole or other road hazard hiding under the leaves covering the road, and hold the wheel firmly if you must drive over them," said IAM's head of training Simon Elstow.

Rainy days can take their toll on windscreen wipers, which means they should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and don't squeak when they move back and forth.

As the temperature outside drops, condensation can build up on the windscreen. Similarly, the first frosts can bring ice. Drivers should make sure their windscreens are completely clear before setting off on their journey.

And as the days grow shorter, headlights should be kept on for longer, especially on gloomy mornings and in the twilight late in the afternoon.

The AIM's advice comes after the Met Office issued severe weather warnings across the UK, with forecasters predicting a spell of very wet and windy weather over the next few days.