Be Safe, Be Seen

Tuesday 15 Oct 2019

Police are urging road users to be safe as the darker mornings and evenings approach.

In just under two weeks it will officially be the end of British Summer Time and North Wales Police would like to remind road users to take extra care and remain vigilant when out and about.

With the clocks going back by one hour, the changes mean the days become shorter and it becomes darker much earlier and children, pedestrians and cyclists become even more vulnerable as they are less visible to motorists.

Temporary Chief Inspector Dave Cust from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “Now that the clocks will be going back and it’s getting darker earlier on, it’s more important than ever to make sure you can be seen when you’re out and about near roads. The longer periods of darkness in the mornings and evenings, as well as poorer weather conditions, mean the risks of being involved in road traffic collisions are heightened.

“Drivers should take extra care in the dark and during bad weather and be considerate to their own and other road users’ safety. Drivers should check their vehicle is safe to be on the road and is in working order, particularly in the changeable conditions that we can expect over the coming months. By slowing down if it's wet or foggy, and considering other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists drivers can make a real difference in helping to reduce road casualties. "

“Cyclists and motorcyclists also need to take responsibility and ensure they are visible by wearing fluorescent, bright and reflective clothing. We often see many road cyclists out and about wearing black coloured cycling gear which is not only inappropriate, but very dangerous. Cyclists are also reminded that they must have a working white front light and a red rear light on their bikes.

“Parents should also ensure their children can be seen, again by wearing fluorescent and reflective clothing whilst walking home from school.

He added: “This is all part of our commitment to improving road safety and prevent further tragedies on our roads and we are urging all road users to share in the collective responsibility to keep our roads safe.

“Additionally, we'll be doing roadside checks to ensure vehicles are roadworthy for the winter months ahead so I would encourage motorists to give their vehicles a once over and make sure tyres have sufficient tread, are inflated to the correct pressure, that all lights work properly and that you have washer fluid topped up to keep your windscreen clear. Please take care and stay safe.”

Here are some top tips for road users:

Drivers

Cyclists

Pedestrians

Officers will be using social media to further highlight their road safety messages, please follow the #StaySafe and #BeVisible hashtags.

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