Be Safe Be Seen - children urged to be bright morning and night

As the clocks go back an hour on Sunday (28th October) the THINK! road safety campaign is reminding parents and children to Be Safe Be Seen as the nights draw in.

Child pedestrian road accidents are most likely to occur between the hours of 3.30pm - 4.00pm. In 2006, 32 children (aged 4-16) a year were killed or seriously injured while walking in the East of England. This shows a 33% decrease from the 1994/98 average of 48.

Road safety mascot "Spike" the hedgehog was at the outdoor store in Cambridge today giving away Be Safe Be Seen stickers, spoke reflectors, bag tags and road safety advice.

Debbie Maith, Road Safety Officer for Cambridgeshire County Council said: "We want to encourage everyone to make sure they wear bright and reflective clothing while they are out and about this winter. As the clocks go back and the nights draw in it will be more and more difficult for people to see you if you wear something dark. Being bright and seen goes for cyclists too, having lights and reflectors on your bike at this time of year is vital."

Sean Perry, Government Office East Transport Advisor said:
"We would like parents to ensure their children are wearing clothing and accessories that make them more visible as the days become shorter. Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, especially in dull or misty weather. By night, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights."

Minister for Road Safety, Jim Fitzpatrick said, "Children need to be extra careful on the roads in the winter months. And at the same time, drivers also need to take extra care and look out for children."
In Essex, events will be held with Road Safety Officers and Essex Fire and Rescue Service at supermarkets next week.

Maldon: 29 October, Tesco, 9am-12.30pm
Harlow: 2 November, Sainsbury, 10am -2pm
Chelmsford: 31 October, Asda S.W.F, 9am-12.30pm
Basildon: 30 October, Asda East Gate Centre, 9am-12.30pm

THINK! offers the following tips for parents to help keep children safe and visible on the roads:


Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.

Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, even in dull or misty weather

In the dark, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights - remember fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark. You can put reflective tape on your coat or school bag to help you be seen by drivers.

It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure that your bike is properly equipped and working.

Cross the road at the safest place possible e.g. zebra, pelican and patrolled crossings. Remember to use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen.

If you're out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross the road at well-lit places.

If there is no pavement and you have to walk on the road, always face the oncoming traffic - this is particularly important in poor light or in the dark.

Find out about 'walking buses' where children walk in groups and are more visible by contacting your child's school or your local council.