Be Bright Be Seen

As winter approaches and the clocks go back, Kent Highway Services (KHS) Road Safety Team are reminding parents and children to wear something bright and take extra care as road safety risks increase. They are also reminding drivers to be particularly observant - the dark shadow could be a pedestrian crossing the road. This supports the current ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ campaign, as pedestrian and cyclist casualties in the winter months are predominantly due to drivers being unable to see them.

Part of the campaign is to distribute 10,000 pedestrian reflectors. People from across the County will have the opportunity to get their reflectors from KHS road safety and Heart FM promotional staff at the many firework and Christmas Lights events that the radio station is attending. Additionally, their parents or teachers can also request reflectors to be sent to children or even whole classes in the post by entering their details on the heartkent.co.uk website.

“Casualty rates for children during weekdays, peak at the journey times to and from school. Especially at this time of year, being seen more easily could be crucial. Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best during the day, particularly in dull or misty weather. However, fluorescent clothing does not work at night - reflective material works best and shows up in car headlights. Be especially careful about where and when you cross the road too. Look for well lit places so drivers can spot you more easily” said Darren Cook, Road Safety Officer.

Heart 103.1 & 10.28 Breakfast Show presenter James Heming says: “I think this is a really good initiative by Kent Highway Services. As the Dad of 4 kids, it’s really important to make sure all children are really aware of road safety and hopefully by supporting this campaign, we’re doing our bit for this”.

Top tips for being seen at night;

• Fluorescent yellow is the brightest of all fluorescent colours.
• You can find fluorescent and reflective items in most shops selling car and bike accessories.
• If you are out at night and you don’t have anything reflective, carry a torch or carry or wear something white.
• If you wear a dark school uniform, carry a bag, scarf or an umbrella in bright colours, so that you can be seen.