With darker mornings and winter nights closing in, Medway Council is encouraging all residents to be bright and be seen this winter.
The ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ campaign officially launches today (Monday, 7 October) ahead of the clocks going back on Sunday, 27 October.
All road users are being encouraged to make sure they are visible by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing.
We are also teaming up with KMFM and Specsavers Medway as part of ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ to offer residents the chance to get their hands on a free reflective keyring between Monday, 7 October and Monday, 21 October. For more information, visit KMFM’s website.
As part of the campaign, every Year 6 pupil who attends a Medway school will also receive a hi-vis reflective keyring to help them be bright and be seen this winter. These will be sent to schools from today (Monday, 7 October) so they can distribute them to their Year 6 pupils.
Our Road Safety Team have put together some top tips to be bright and be seen this winter:
- Shine bright – The smallest amount of reflective wear will make a difference. At night you become visible at up to 150 metres 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 makes perfect – Practice your children’s journey to school and point out safer places to cross and any hazards. Share your experience and suggestions they may not have thought of.
- Stay safe – Choose well-lit roads and crossing places.
- Prepare – Cyclists should check and clean their bike’s lights. Make sure you have white lights on the front of the bike and red lights on the back. Rear reflectors and spoke reflectors are a great idea too.
- Take your time – Motorists should stay alert and take extra care when driving. Remember, it will be more difficult for you to see pedestrians and cyclists when it’s dark. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and drive at safe speeds.
Stay safe
Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Highways, said: “With darker nights and mornings on their way, we want to encourage everyone to make sure they stay safe whilst they’re out on our roads. Wearing something reflective is a really simple step that everyone can do which will help you be seen, and help you and others stay safe this winter.”