Drivers asked to be extra vigilant for pedestrians

As the days get shorter as we approach Christmas, and there are less daylight hours, Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is asking drivers to be extra vigilant for pedestrians using the roads.   This is even more important in rural areas, where there may be no street lights or pavements.

Fay Cannon of Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership said “Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, are the hardest for drivers to see, and with the clocks changing, it just got harder.

“With Halloween and Bonfire Night coming up, drivers need to look out for children trick or treating and for young people who may now need to get to and from school or college in the dark.  

“Others may walk to work, exercise or walk the dog in the dark over winter as it’s the only time they can.  At night there may be pedestrians enjoying the pubs, clubs, restaurants and other attractions particularly in our towns. “

As the nights draw in, drivers are please reminded to:

• Slow down and be extra vigilant for pedestrians
• Clean your headlights regularly
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances in wet conditions
• Use high beams responsibly
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Check your eyesight. You should be able to read a number plate 20 metres away.   If you are struggling please book an appointment with an optician. 

If you need to walk in the dusk or dark here are some tips to help enhance your visibility:-

• Wear reflective clothing
• Use bright, flashing lights such as an armband or torch
• Stay on well-lit paths
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Take your time and look both ways at least twice before crossing a road
• Put your safety first. Where there is no pavement, if you are not sure a driver has seen you, don’t take any chances.  Use the verge and stand well back from the road.

The reason this advice is so important is that nationally, the number of pedestrian fatalities rose by 5% in 2023 compared to 2022.  Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is also starting to see an increase in pedestrians killed or seriously injured on our roads in Warwickshire with hotspots in our urban areas of Nuneaton and Bedworth and Stratford upon Avon.  

Notes

Reported road casualties in Great Britain: pedestrian factsheet, 2023 - GOV.UK