With the clocks turning back this weekend and the nights drawing in, Bedford Borough Council would like to take this opportunity to urge all road users to take extra care when out and about.
As well as the earlier nights, the weather invariably gets worse at this time of year leading to reduced visibility on the roads. This makes pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists particularly vulnerable.
However, there are a range of simple steps anyone can take to make sure they are seen and improve their safety on the road, particularly when conditions are poor.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “We all have a responsibility to take extra care and look out for each other on the road, particularly when it is dark or when conditions are poor.
“There are simple steps we can all take to help make our roads safer and the aim of this campaign is to encourage all road users to take that bit of extra care and help keep each other safe.”
Please follow our simple tips to stay safe during the winter:
Pedestrians:
• Try to stick to well lit areas wherever possible
• Do not wear dark clothing. Fluorescent is ideal during the day and if possible use reflective clothing at night. If this is not possible, wear lightly coloured clothes
• Be aware of your surroundings and look out for cars and cyclists.
Cyclists:
• Do not wear dark clothing. Fluorescent is ideal during the day and if possible use reflective clothing at night. If this is not possible, wear lightly coloured clothes
• Make sure you have lights on your bike.
• In addition to lights, you should have reflectors on your bike (red at the back, white and front and amber on the pedals). Also, make sure the reflectors can be seen and aren’t covered by bags, coats or overhanging clothes.
• Be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles on the road
Motorcyclists
• Wearing something fluorescent during the day combined with reflective detailing for riding at night is ideal.
• If visibility is poor, use your headlights, even in daylight
• Use a clear visor or goggles with the BS4110 mark or the EC Regulation 22 type 05 mark
• Make sure your visor/goggles are clean and not fogged up (use an anti fog treatment)
Drivers:
• If visibility is poor, use your headlights, even in daylight.
• Don’t drive at all with misty windows. Wait a couple more minutes for your windscreen and windows to clear.
• Take time to clear any ice or snow from all your windows before driving off
• Make sure your lights are clean; grime and dirt can reduce their brightness.
• Check all your lights at least once a week and replace “blown” bulbs immediately
