Now the clocks have gone back, here is some safety advice from the Child Accident Prevention Trust.
Visibility is a key issue all year round, all day round, whether children are walking or on their bike. However, over the winter months, it is especially important as the school day can start and end in twilight.
During term time, the majority of child road accidents happen in the afternoon and evenings, especially in the autumn and winter when it gets dark earlier in the day.
The general principles of being visible to motorists are:
- During the day, bright and fluorescent clothing is best.
- At twilight and night time, reflective clothing or tape that is picked up in car’s headlights is best.
- 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.
- Always choose routes and cross at places that are well-lit.
- Where possible, cross the road at a pedestrian crossing
- The message for pedestrians and cyclists is to wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing or accessories after dark.
Drivers should be especially careful around schools and mindful of their speed when visibility is poor.