The clocks go back on 27 October 2019 and Devon County Council is reminding all road users to ‘be bright, be seen’ as it gets darker and weather conditions get worse.
More vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, are reminded to be alert and make themselves visible by wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing while out and about on Devon’s roads.
Motorists should take extra care to look out for other road users, particularly in poor weather conditions such as fog, mist and rain, which may reduce visibility. They are also urged to give cyclists and horse riders more space when passing them in the road.
Advice to road users during the autumn and winter months is:
- Where possible, pedestrians should use marked crossing points on roads and, although they may have right of way over traffic on a zebra or light controlled crossing, check that vehicles are stopping before walking out into traffic.
- It is advised that cyclists wear additional reflective and bright clothing as well as using a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, which are required by law.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are also advised to take more care when travelling in the dark and using headphones, or mobile phones for pedestrians. Because of reduced visibility and potentially bad weather conditions it is important to be more aware of your surroundings.
- Horse riders should select crossing points very carefully. It is also encouraged that horse riders use fluorescent or reflective clothing or equipment.
- All road users should look out for each other and take extra care, particularly in wet or icy conditions or if there are leaves on the road.
Cllr:Stuart Hughes Cabinet member for Highway Management said “As it begins to get darker and the clocks go back, journeys in the mornings and evenings will be made in increasingly poor light and weather conditions.
“‘Be bright, be seen’ is a hugely important message to all road users especially those who are more vulnerable in the bad weather and the dark. We encourage cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and pedestrians to wear bright clothing and to use reflective strips or lights on bags, bikes, helmets and clothing so that you can be seen more easily.
“I would also urge all motorists to drive carefully as conditions get more difficult over the coming months. It is important to remember to use your lights, even during the day, when weather conditions are poor, not only to see other road users but also be seen yourself.”
More information about staying safe on Devon’s roads this winter can be found at http://devon.cc/staysafeinwinter and https://www.traveldevon.info/