Be Bright, Be Seen
Now that it’s darker in the mornings and evenings, it’s important to remember to be extra vigilant when you’re out near roads. When it’s darker, visibility is greatly reduced for everyone which makes pedestrians and cyclists even more vulnerable than usual.
It’s important for everyone to ensure that they can be seen at all times, and drivers need to be aware that it is much more difficult to see pedestrians and other vulnerable road users when it’s dark.
Helpful tips and advice
If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist, Knowsley’s Road Safety team has some tips on how you can be bright and be seen and help to make yourself more visible to other road users:
- Wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing during daylight hours but remember that this doesn’t show up in the dark!
- When it is dark you need to wear reflective items such as vests, sashes and wristbands. Many high street stores now sell clothing that incorporates reflective strips or bands.
- Accessorise with items such as clip-on reflectors, armbands and stickers on your clothes or bag.
- Remember to have clean and working lights on your bike at night. Lights should be white at the front and red at the back. Having a rear reflector and spoke reflectors is a great idea too.
- Take routes that are well-lit and cross at places that are lit.
If you’re a driver, remember it will be more difficult for you to see pedestrians and cyclists when it’s dark. Unlike this image, not everyone will be dressed in bright colours or reflective clothing. Children and others often wear dark coloured school uniform, winter coats or blazers.
There’s a child in the same position on both photos below. Which one is easier to see?
