Be bright at night; be seen, be safe

Pembrokeshire’s Road Safety Team is backing a message from Road Safety Wales to be ‘bright at night’ if you’re out and about.

Road Safety Wales is reminding pedestrians, runners and cyclists that being easily seen by drivers is especially important at this time of year.

The organisation says that although the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, sadly 249 pedestrians and 138 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on Welsh roads in 2014.

“Everyone needs to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe,” said a spokesman.

With the fashion for black and dark clothes, it can be difficult to buy a coat that is light in colour, but simple things such as carrying a white carrier bag could make all the difference to your visibility.

You can also buy flashing light armbands, bag accessories and children’s shoes.  Of course, wearing fluorescent materials during the day and reflective materials at night is an option too, and many retailers sell these items quite cheaply.

Mobile phones and other electronic devices can be a dangerous distraction for all road users, however, a mobile phone has a built in safety device that you may not have considered. Carrying your phone so that the lit screen can be seen by oncoming drivers, is an easy way of helping motorists spot you in the dark, particularly in rural or poorly lit areas.

With the advent of new technology comes bicycle lights that are cheap to buy, and brighter than ever, and many cycling accessories come with inbuilt reflective strips that react to car headlights.

The Highway Code is clear that if you are riding a bicycle at night you must have a white front and red rear light lit.  Your bike must also have a red rear reflector, and amber pedal reflectors.  White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.

Motorists too need to play their part by reading the road ahead and anticipating potential hazards. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop in the distance you can see to be clear, and give cyclists and, where there is no footpath, pedestrians plenty of space when overtaking.

Kirstie-Anne Donoghue, Road Safety Officer for Pembrokeshire, said:
“The winter months pose more hazards for all road users, and pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable. It is vital that people take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision.”

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said: “Making sure you can be seen by other road users is essential at this time of year, when light levels are poor and weather conditions can change visibility in seconds.”