Male motorists are almost three times more likely to be killed or injured on the hard shoulder than women, according to new research from car care specialists, Comma.

Department for Transport (DfT) statistics reveal that over the past 15 years 2,058 men have been killed or injured on the hard shoulder, compared to 768 women when their cars have broken down by the roadside.

Across Europe, high-visibility clothing is compulsory for motorists in an effort to reduce such incidences.

Studies have shown that wearing high-visibility vests can increase the distance at which other road users can spot stranded drivers by up to 400%, claim Comma.

As a result, it is giving away 150,000 free high-vis vests on five-litre packs of its Performance Motor Oil range as part of its ‘Safe and Seen’ campaign.

“Once you’re outside of your car in the dark, you’re effectively invisible,” said Comma’s Mike Bewsey. “The male tendency is to get under the bonnet and try to fix the problem but, if you can’t be seen, you’re asking for trouble.”

As winter approaches and the hours of darkness are increased, improved visibility is even more important. Accidents at night are twice as likely to lead to a fatality as during the daytime, according to the DfT.