“Be Bright, Be Seen” as clocks go back
“Be Bright, Be Seen” is the message from Devon County Council, ahead of clocks going back this weekend (Sunday 29 October).
As daylight hours draw in, the County Council is reminding cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, horse riders, and other vulnerable road users, to make sure that they are visible by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing.
Car drivers are also being encouraged to take extra care by giving cyclists space, and looking out for others, particularly in poor weather conditions which can reduce visibility.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Daylight hours are drawing in, and it won’t be too many weeks before journeys to and from school and work will be made in poor light conditions.
“When it comes to being seen on the road, we’re not just talking about cyclists. ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ is a message for everyone - pedestrians, motorcyclists, horse riders, mobility scooter users and others. Wearing bright, fluorescent and reflective clothing helps you to be seen more easily, and reflective strips on bags or helmets also help you stand out.
“Motorists can also play their part over the autumn and winter months – drive according to conditions and it’s worth remembering to use lights even during the day when the light is poor, or in bad weather, not only to see other road users, but also to be seen.”
Road safety advice: -
- Pedestrians should, wherever possible, use marked crossing points on roads, and although they may have right of way over traffic on a zebra or light controlled crossing they are still responsible for ensuring that they don’t step out into traffic until vehicles have stopped for them;
- Cyclists must comply with the law by using a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back;
- Horse riders should select crossing points very carefully and show courtesy to drivers who have slowed down for them;
- Drivers should travel at an appropriate, lower speed for the conditions and look out for – and give space to – walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Check your ‘blind spot’ before changing course direction as there could be a motorcyclist alongside you;
- All road users should look out for each other and take care, particularly in wet or icy conditions or if there are leaves on the road.
More information about staying safe on Devon’s roads this winter can be found at http://devon.cc/staysafeinwinter and https://www.traveldevon.info/
