'Be Safe, Be Seen' on Plymouth’s roads this winter
Plymouth City Council is teaming up with Devon and Cornwall Police, its highways contractor Amey and Radio Plymouth to remind pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to brighten up, now that British Summer Time is over.
The clocks have gone back, the days are getting shorter and winter weather is starting to set in – which means road users are becoming less visible to motorists.
The number of deaths and injuries on our roads increases sharply as the evenings draw in and the weather deteriorates, with pedestrian and vehicle collisions usually peaking in October and November. Nearly 400 people were involved in collisions in Plymouth during the winter months last year.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are working hard to improve road safety, with initiatives such as 20mph limits and new cycle lanes. However, there is always an increased risk of casualties as the nights draw in. The peak time for a collision is during the evening rush hour - between 5pm and 6pm. We’re running this campaign to ensure everyone can be seen on the road and that we all make an extra effort to look out for each other this winter.”
PC Ian Baggott, road casualty reduction officer for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Motorists need to be alert to young children on their school journey, people in a hurry, parents with toddlers or elderly shoppers. Remember, they may not see you, so slow right down, particularly at junctions where pedestrians cross and on roads near schools and colleges.
“Motorists need to make sure their lights are working, clean and properly adjusted, so they do not dazzle others. They also need to make sure their windscreens are clean and not misted up, so they can see properly. We are urging all road users to take note of our advice and take preventative action to reduce risks on Plymouth’s roads this winter.”
Be Safe, Be Seen and follow these tips when walking and cycling:
- Make sure you’re visible to other road users and pedestrians
- Keep away from the kerb
- Don’t use roads that are unlit
- Wear bright or fluorescent clothing in daylight or poor light
- Wear reflective clothing at night; it shows up in car headlights. Fluorescent clothing is not as visible after dark.
- Always use lights when cycling in the dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast - white lights at the front and red at the rear. It is illegal to ride on the road with no lights in the dark. Check regularly that your lights are working.
The Council’s road safety team, Amey and Radio Plymouth will be visiting schools across the city to promote the Be Safe, Be Seen campaign. All children under the age of 11 will be given a Be Safe, Be Seen sticker to place on their school bags or coats.
