See and Be Seen!
As the clocks go back this weekend, longer periods of darkness in the mornings and evenings, alongside worsening weather conditions, mean the risk of being involved in a road traffic collision increases.
Road Safety Wales is advising road users of the need to prepare and to take extra care in the darker conditions. In the dark it becomes even more important that pedestrians and cyclists make every effort to ensure they can be seen by other road users and that drivers look out for those who are walking and cycling.
Teresa Ciano, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said, “Drivers must check that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition. All tyres must be undamaged, with sufficient tread and inflated to the correct pressure.
“All lights must be clean and working properly, and ensuring that washer fluid is topped up to keep the windscreen clear is important, as unobstructed all round visibility is essential.
“Road Safety Wales urges pedestrians and cyclists to think carefully about their choice of clothing. Increasing your visibility can be as easy as wearing bright colours in the daytime, and in the dark including reflective accessories, shoes or clothing that can be picked up in vehicle headlights.”
Cyclists are reminded that when riding in the dark they must have a working white front light and red rear light on their bike, while pedestrians can make good use of a standard or mobile phone torch in the hours of darkness.
See and be seen on the road this autumn and play your part in reducing road casualties in Wales.