Be Bright, Be Seen Campaign

The YTA Team have been collaborating with year groups throughout the school in order to promote the message for pedestrians, cyclists, students and teachers to wear elements of bright clothing during the day and reflective accessories after dark. Drivers should be especially vigilant around schools and mindful of their speed when visibility is deficient. To further this, you could enhance illuminance when travelling with clip-on reflectors, armbands and stickers on clothes or bags. Any minimal factor can make a major effect, correlating with road safety.

When you’re out and about, especially on and near roads, it is imperative to be seen by drivers and other road users. When the weather is dark and gloomy it could be difficult for you to be seen clearly, even if you are crossing the road from a safe position. At this time of the year, the weather conditions could be questionable, making it obscure for pedestrians to be seen. The main causes of accidents are speeding, driving too fast when it is raining, snowing, foggy, driving while distracted, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, ignoring traffic signals and failing to yield the right of way.

Our Top Tips for you when on the road:

• Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.
• Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, even in dull or misty weather.
• Even though you may be walking, cycling or running in lit areas, it is still vital to wear vivid clothing as often drivers may still find it hard to see you.
• In the dark, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights - remember fluorescent clothing doesn’t work after dark. You can put reflective tape on your coat or school bag to help you to be seen by drivers.
• 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, so make sure that your bike is properly equipped and working.
• Remember always wear a helmet!
• Cross the road at the safest place possible. Remember to use the Green Cross Code –                               Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
• If you’re out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by street lights and cross the road at well-lit places. If there is no pavement, and you must walk on the road, always face the oncoming traffic – this is particularly crucial in the lack of light.

We have run a competition for each year group throughout GNSA Primary, GNSA Secondary and Nanaksar for all the students to interpret and understand the significance regarding all elements of road safety; to encourage safer travel on foot, using a cycle or scooter during the darker season.

Written by: Falguni Sodhi