Get noticed and stay safe this autumn and winter

Get noticed and stay safe is the message to road users as the clocks go back on Sunday (27 October).

As British Summer Time comes to an end and winter nights draw in, Devon County Council is reminding pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders to wear reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure they can be seen on the county’s roads.

Car drivers are also being urged to be cautious and look out for all other road users, especially at night and also in mist, rain and fog, when visibility is limited.

Interactive road signs around Devon will display messages appealing to drivers to look out for bikers, in particular, as 21 motorcyclists were either killed or seriously injured between October 2012 and February 2013.

Safety messages will also be displayed on buses, asking pedestrians and cyclists to “brighten up and get noticed”, while drivers are reminded to “watch out for pedestrians and cyclists”.

Between October 2012 and February 2013 in Devon, 16 pedestrians (including one child), and 13 cyclists were seriously injured. During that time 17% of all severity accidents occurred in the rain.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways said: “It’s always important at this time of year for cyclists, pedestrians, horse-riders and motorcyclists to make themselves as visible as possible when travelling to and from school or work. Visibility can be impaired in rain and misty conditions, so bright fluorescent clothing and reflective strips on jackets, bags or helmets can make a real difference in being seen by passing traffic.

“Cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists should slow down in wet and slippery conditions, and brakes and tyres should be checked regularly. The County Council is committed to reducing the number of collisions on our roads, and I would encourage everyone to stay safe this autumn and winter by taking extra care and being aware of each other.”

The advice from the County Council is:

• Pedestrians should, wherever possible, use marked crossing points on roads, although they do not have right of way over traffic unless they are on a zebra or light-controlled crossing;

• 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 or direction as there could be a motorcyclist alongside you;

• All road users should look out for each other and take care, particularly in icy conditions or if there are leaves on the road.

Horse riders can apply for a free high-viz tabard (while stocks last), in a scheme supported through the Investing in Devon Fund and the British Horse Society, by emailing prow@devon.gov.uk

For more information, motorcyclists should visit www.maxrider.co.uk/winter-riding.html and cyclists should go to www.cycledevon.info/cycling-in-autumn-and-winter