Be Bright, Be Seen as the nights draw in

Dudley Council is supporting the Department for Transport’s THINK! road safety campaign by reminding people of some top tips to help them be seen when out and about on or near the roads.

People can take steps to make themselves more visible when out in the darker mornings and evenings. Drivers are also asked to be extra vigilant when dealing with darker mornings and evenings and the glare from the winter sun.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm said:

It’s easy to take steps to make yourself more visible in the darker winter period. A small change can help to keep you safe, whether it’s wearing brightly coloured clothing, reflective gear and accessories or always trying to cross in well-lit areas, ideally at a pedestrian crossing or safe crossing point. These simple steps could save your life.

We’re even issuing our refuse collectors with flashing armbands to make them more visible and to encourage other people to take steps to keep themselves and their families safe.

Drivers also need to be taking steps to keep people safe, being extra vigilant in the dark and when the sun is low, checking that their lights are working properly and keeping their windscreen clean inside and out for optimum visibility.

Top tips on how to Be Bright and Be Seen include:

• Wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing that shows up well in daylight and at dusk.
• Wear reflective gear if you’re out when it’s dark to make sure you can be seen when lights shine on you.
• Use accessories – even small items like armbands and stickers can help to make you visible
• If you like to cycle, remember that it’s the law to have clean and working lights at night as well as a rear reflector.
• Always use safer places to cross wherever possible, and make sure your routes are well lit if you’re out when it’s dark

Tips for drivers include:

• Glare when the sun’s low in the sky is more likely to be a problem at this time of year, as is being dazzled at night.
• If the sun’s low behind you, it's in the eyes of those coming towards you 
• If the sun’s in your eyes it's probably blinding anyone following you as well Check your vehicles’ lights every few weeks
• Clean your windscreen, inside and out

The road safety and travel awareness team offer a range of services including cycle training and presentations for school pupils and community groups. For further details about any of the services that the team provides please call 01384 815433 or email road.safety@dudley.gov.uk