"Be safe, be seen" on Devon's roads

With the clocks set to go back on the last Sunday in October (25 Oct), Devon County Council is issuing its annual “be safe, be seen” message to road users.

The authority is reminding everyone to take extra care on Devon’s roads at this time of year, particularly in poor weather conditions when visibility may be reduced.

Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and horse riders are encouraged to wear reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure they can be seen.

Motorists are also urged to look out for more vulnerable road users and to give cyclists, motorcyclists and horseriders plenty of space.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “As the evenings draw in over the autumn and winter months, we can all do our bit to help improve safety for each other on our roads. People will be travelling to and from work or education in poor light conditions during this time of year, so the annual ‘be safe, be seen’ campaign is always an important reminder.

“Bright, fluorescent and reflective clothing can help pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users to be seen by passing vehicles. Likewise, motorists can also reduce their speed and give extra space when overtaking others. Let’s share our road space responsibly; be bright, be seen, stay safe and keep each other safe.”

The advice from the County Council is: –

• Where possible, pedestrians should use marked crossing points on roads, and although they may have right of way over traffic on a zebra or light controlled crossing they are still responsible for ensuring that they don’t step out into traffic until vehicles have stopped for them;

• Cyclists must comply with the law by using a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back;

• Horse riders should select crossing points very carefully and are asked to show courtesy to drivers who have slowed down for them;

• Motorists should overtake only when it is safe to do so, and drivers should pass slowly and allow plenty of room when overtaking;

• All road users should look out for each other and take care, particularly in wet or icy conditions or if there are leaves on the road.

More information about staying safe on Devon’s roads this winter can be found at http://devon.cc/staysafeinwinter and https://www.traveldevon.info/  and https://www.traveldevon.info/cycle/safe-cycling/share-this-space/