Road safety
Be safe be seen
The arrival of autumn often means foggy weather, strong winds and stormy conditions. These, with the darker mornings and evenings, increase the risk of collisions taking place.
There are a few common-sense precautions drivers can take to reduce the risk. Motorists should:
- make sure their lights, front and back, are in good working order
- check the conditions of their wipers and washers
- keep their windows clean
- have their brakes and tyres looked at – on wet roads it’s even more vital that brakes are working efficiently and tyre treads are legal
- consider fitting winter tyres in cold weather.
Drivers can be caught unawares by changes in weather and driving conditions, and should take responsibility for their own and other road users' safety. It is especially important to look out for the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists.
By ensuring vehicles are in good working order, slowing down if it's wet or foggy, and considering other motorists and pedestrians, drivers can make a real difference in reducing road casualties.
Pedestrians and cyclists
At the end of October the clocks go back, meaning more people will be travelling in poor light or even in the dark. Children are at an increased risk as they journey to and from school at times of the day when visibility is poor.
Youngsters should wear light or reflective clothing to reduce their risk of being involved in a collision. It is also important not to take shortcuts when crossing roads, instead using proper crossing places where visibility is better for everyone.
As nights get longer more people are out before dawn, including boys and girls doing paper rounds either on foot or bicycle. Pedestrians and cyclists should make sure they wear light, preferably reflective clothing, and ensure bicycles have working lights at the front and back.
Motorists should drive considerately and reduce their speed to meet the traffic and weather conditions. Drivers shouldn't drive tired, again more likely in autumn and winter. Difficult weather conditions are tiring to drive in and travelling in the dark can make people sleepy.
Lights need to be in good working order and used when visibility is poor during the day time. However be careful that headlights don't dazzle other road users.
It only takes a lapse in concentration to become involved in a collision, so taking a few extra precautions could make all the difference.