Be Bright Be Seen

The darker nights and bad weather of autumn and winter make it harder to see and be seen.

Be Bright Be Seen

The darker nights and bad weather of autumn and winter make it harder to see and be seen. Commuting to work and travelling to school are largely done in the dark or with reduced visibility. Pedestrian deaths and serious injuries on the roads peak over these months so it’s really important that we all do everything we can to stay safe and keep everyone else safe.

Be bright be seen advice is set out below.

Drivers

  • Be aware of the hierarchy of road users and your responsibilities to look out for those at more risk.
  • Take extra time to double check that junctions and crossing points are safe before proceeding.
  • Reduce speed if visibility is poor or there are hazards such as double parked vehicles.
  • Ensure that all of your lights work before setting off. Use lights appropriately - side lights or normal beam are usually sufficient. Do not use front or rear fog lights unless the visibility is seriously reduced. The Highway Code says you should only use front or rear fog lights when visibility is below 100 metres (328 feet).
  • Ensure your vehicle is well maintained. Screen washer fluid is topped up, and that your tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct levels.
  • Be wary of other vehicles flashing their headlights and do your own checks to ensure it is safe before moving.
  • Ensure you are giving other road users enough space, particularly when overtaking.
  • Keeping your vehicle clean allows for better visibility and also reflects light better for other road users.
  • If your windows are obscured by condensation or ice, ensure you clean them all off before setting off.
  • Carry a hi-visibility vest or jacket and put this on if you should need to get out of the car in the dark.
  • Consider getting a dash cam to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving you encounter to West Yorkshire Police through Op Snap.

Pedestrians

  • Wear bright, reflective outer clothing such as coats, hats, gloves and footwear. You can also buy low cost reflective items to wear over the top of your normal clothes, such as vests, sashes, wristbands, bag covers and clip on reflectors.
  • Look to walk in well-lit areas and cross the road using dedicated crossing points.
  • Keep to footpaths where possible. If there isn’t a foot path, then you should keep to the side of the road, walking in the direction of oncoming traffic.
  • Ensure you are concentrating on your surroundings and double check it’s safe before crossing or stepping onto any roads. Phones, headphones and other handheld devices can be distracting, particularly when looking to cross the road, we’d recommend putting them away.
  • Hoods can also restrict your vision so it is advisable to put hoods down so that you can see properly when crossing roads.
BBBS Pedestrians

Cyclists

BBBS Cyclist
  • Similarly to pedestrians, wear bright, reflective outer clothing and wear reflective items over the top of your clothes and bags.
  • We would always recommend wearing a helmet. Helmets are the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from bicycle crashes. Nationally, 70 to 80 percent of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries.
  • At night your bike must have working white front and red rear lights. It also must be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.
  • Keep your bike, particularly your reflectors and lights clean. Clean surfaces reflect light better.
  • Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving you encounter to West Yorkshire Police through Op Snap.

Horse riders and scooters

  • Similarly to pedestrians, wear bright, reflective outer clothing and wear reflective items over the top of your clothes.
  • We would recommend wearing full safety equipment, and in particular, helmets.
  • Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving you encounter to West Yorkshire Police through Op Snap.

Motorcycles

  • Similarly to pedestrians, wear bright, reflective outer clothing and wear reflective items over the top of your clothes.
  • We would recommend wearing full safety equipment, including helmet, gloves, boots and suit. This equipment gives you the best chance of staying safe should you be involved in a crash.
  • Ensure all your lights are working and your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition.
  • Ensure your bike is clean, as clean surfaces reflect light better.
  • Ride in the middle of the lane and always ride believing that other road users have not seen you.
  • Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving you encounter to West Yorkshire Police through Op Snap.
BBBS Motorcyclist

  1. Vision Zero Pledge

    • 01 Jan 0001

    The West Yorkshire Vision Zero pledge asks you to think about what you can do to contribute to safer roads.

  2. Useful links

    • 01 Jan 0001

    Links to useful road safety information, such as the Highway Code, advice for road users and Vision Zero partners.