Be Bright Be Seen

The darker nights and bad weather in autumn and winter make it tough to see and be seen. Many people commute to work or school in the dark. Sadly, pedestrian deaths and serious injuries peak during these months. It’s crucial for everyone to stay safe and look out for others.

Here’s some advice on how to be bright and seen.

Drivers

Be aware of the hierarchy of road users and your duty to protect those at greater risk.
Take extra care to check that junctions and crossings are safe before moving.
Slow down if visibility is poor or if there are hazards like double-parked vehicles.
Make sure all your lights are working. Use side lights or normal beams. Don’t use fog lights unless visibility is below 100 metres (328 feet).
Keep your vehicle well maintained. Ensure screen washer fluid is topped up, and check tyre condition and inflation.
Be cautious of other vehicles flashing headlights; always check for safety before moving.
Give other road users enough space, especially when overtaking.
Keep your vehicle clean for better visibility and to reflect light for others.
Clean off any condensation or ice from your windows before driving.
Carry a hi-visibility vest or jacket and wear it if you need to exit the car in the dark.
Think about getting a dash cam to record your journeys and report dangerous driving to West Yorkshire Police via Op Snap.

Two people wearing reflective jackets on a city street at night

Pedestrians

Wear bright, reflective clothing, including coats, hats, gloves, and footwear. You can also buy low-cost reflective items to put over the top of your clothing like vests, sashes, wristbands, bag covers and clip on reflectors.
Walk in well-lit areas and cross at designated points.
Stick to footpaths whenever possible. If there’s no footpath, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Stay alert and check it’s safe before crossing. Phones and headphones can distract you; it’s best to put them away.
Avoid wearing hoods that can block your vision; pull them down when crossing roads.

Cyclist wearing reflective safety vest at night

Cyclists

Like pedestrians, wear bright, reflective clothing and add reflective items over your clothes.
Always wear a helmet. It greatly reduces head injuries and fatalities in crashes. Nationally, 70% to 80% of fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries.
At night, your bike must have working white front and red rear lights, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.
Keep your bike, especially lights and reflectors, clean. Clean surfaces reflect light better.
Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report dangerous driving to West Yorkshire Police via Op Snap.

Horse rider wearing reflective safety wear on the road in the countryside

Horse riders and scooters

Like pedestrians, wear bright, reflective clothing and add reflective items.
Always wear full safety gear, especially a helmet.
Think about getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report dangerous driving to West Yorkshire Police via Op Snap.

Motorcycles

Like pedestrians, wear bright, reflective clothing and add reflective items.
Always wear full safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, boots, and a suit. This gear helps keep you safe in a crash.
Ensure all your lights are working and your tyres are in good condition and properly inflated.
Keep your bike clean; clean surfaces reflect light better.
Ride in the middle of the lane and assume other road users haven’t seen you.
Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report dangerous driving to West Yorkshire Police via Op Snap.