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'Be Safe, Be Seen' this winter

Be bright, be bright, morning and night, so drivers can see you especially at night. Wear clothes that will show, come rain or come snow, be bright be bright and it could save your life!

As the days become shorter, the number of accidents tends to increase due to wet or icy road surfaces, bad weather and poor light even during daylight hours. Children become more vulnerable as they are less visible to motorists.

That’s why the campaign, which is particularly aimed at children aged between four and 11, is urging them to wear bright or fluorescent clothes during the day and reflective clothing at night to make sure they can be easily seen. They are also being urged to take extra care when out and about near roads.

Drivers also need to be cautious and make sure they use their lights, slow down and look out for cyclists and pedestrians. In winter it is even more important to make sure your vehicle is well maintained – keep lights clean, make sure there is anti-freeze in the radiator, additive in the washer bottle and check tyres.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs said:

“We want to ensure everyone is safe on the roads this winter, as during the longer hours of darkness, accidents rates do tend to rise. There are some really simple steps that people can take to make sure they can be seen in the dark - just attaching reflective strips to clothing can make the difference between being seen and not seen, and ultimately can mean the difference between life and death.”

Think! Road safety campaign is issuing the following advice:

• Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.
  
• Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, especially in dull or misty weather.
  
• By night, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights - fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark. Reflective tape can be put on clothing, school bags and equipment.
  
• It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure all bikes are properly equipped and working.
  
• Cross the road at the safest place possible. e.g. zebra, pelican, puffin and patrolled crossings.
  
• Use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen.
  
• If you are out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross at well-lit places.