New figures show that the average number of road accidents reported in November rises dramatically by 1,168 over an average month to 14,908 - raising fresh concerns over the longer periods of darkness facing drivers.

The research by Halfords which examined official accident figures from the Department for Transport between 2007 and 2011 also highlights that November the 19th is the worst day for accidents with a reported 532 accidents.

Halfords undertook the study using DfT figures as well as additional research into driver behaviour, to better understand and advise motorists on the precautionary measures to take against the hazards facing them at this time of year.

The research shows that many problems on the roads could well be caused by poor preparation - with one in four (25%) drivers failing to change their driving habits during darker evenings. One in five (20%) also fail to undertake basic safety checks to their vehicles or change parts such as light bulbs, batteries or windscreen wiper blades.

The findings are all the more concerning because almost one in three motorists (30%) recognised that darker driving conditions are one of the biggest hazards facing them over the coming months. Only poor weather made drivers more nervous while behind the wheel of their car.

Paul McClenaghan, commercial director of Halfords, said: "It's evident that most people are rightly concerned by the onset of darker nights, yet the majority fail to take sufficient pre-emptive action.

"Whether that is through a lack of technical knowledge, confidence or time, it is an avoidable problem. Halfords operates a WeFit service - where trained technicians fit essential parts like bulbs, wiper blades and batteries in order to help keep cars and drivers safe."

The study into driver behaviour found that only around one in 10 (11%) motorists actually changed head or tail light bulbs in preparation for the darker nights and just one in five (21%) replaced wiper blades.

This coincides with the fact that more than four in 10 motorists (44 per cent) admit they are baffled by the complexity of modern cars and do not have time to do basic maintenance or winter checks.