Medway Council is encouraging residents to be bright and be seen this winter ahead of the clocks going back on Sunday, 29 October.
With darker winter nights and mornings just around the corner all other road users are being encouraged to make sure they are visible by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing.
Medway Council’s Road Safety Team will be giving all Year 6 pupils in Medway a hi-vis reflective tag to help them be bright and be seen this winter.
All primary schools in Medway will also be sent a lesson to help teach pupils the importance of “being seen” whilst travelling as a pedestrian or cyclist.
As part of the campaign, Medway Council will also be teaming up with KMFM and Specsavers Medway to offer residents the chance to get their hands on a reflective keyring. For more information, visit KMFM’s website.
Medway Council’s top tips to be bright and be seen this winter include:
- Young or old, being bright is for all – Wearing a reflective item at night means you become visible at up to 150 meters sooner when a car headlight shines on you.
- Don’t be shy – In the daytime, wear something brightly coloured or fluorescent as it will make you up to 15 times more visible. Remember, fluorescent clothing does not work after dark.
- Practice is key – Practice your children’s school journey with them and point out safe places to cross and hazards they may come across.
- Stay safe – Choose well-lit routes and crossing places.
- Plan ahead – Cyclists should check and clean the lights on their bike. 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 your time – Motorists should stay alert and take extra care when driving, making sure they drive at appropriate safe speeds and give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination.
Stay safe on Medway's roads
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Highways, said: “As darker nights and mornings approach, it is really important that we all stay safe on Medway’s roads. Making sure you have some kind of reflective wear with you before you leave the house is a simple step we can all take to help keep yourself, and everyone else on Medway’s roads, safe this winter.”