The British summer time has ended for six months.
This means we will all spend more time walking, cycling and
driving in darkness, which is potentially more dangerous than doing such activities in daylight.
As the nights draw in, everyone is vulnerable, as we are less visible to motorists. We need to wear something bright or reflective, and take extra care while out and about, on or near roads.
A very recent, near-miss accident, involving Corporate Health and Safety Manager David G Owen, of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and High Peak Borough Council Alliance, has prompted him to offer some useful guidance on remaining visible on the highway, particularly at this time of the year. Key Messages are:
The advice given for pedestrians, about being visible on the highway, applies equally to cyclists. In addition, bicycles need to be equipped with proper, working lights. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red rear light and a red reflector at the back.
Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. The key messages are:
To make sure that you can see as well as possible when driving at night:
Don't drive at night if you're tired. If you feel tired when driving, find a safe place to stop and rest. Managers should ensure that night driving is covered in the operational risk assessments for those members of staff undertaking night driving.
** Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.