Be Bright, Be Seen says Bucks Council

'Be Bright, Be Seen', that is the message Buckinghamshire Council is sending to residents after the clocks went back at the weekend.

With darker mornings and evenings now upon us, the council is reminding people of the simple but sensible actions they can take to keep themselves and their families safe when out and about.

Dark days combined with foggy and misty weather all have an impact on visibility. To stay safe when walking, cycling or scooting to school, parents and carers are reminded about the importance of fluorescent and reflective materials on clothing. Fluorescent fabrics work well during daylight and the hours of dusk but won't show up in the dark so it's important to also look for reflective fabrics and consider adding reflective tape to bags and clothes to ensure you can be seen in the dark by car headlights.

Anyone cycling during winter months should ensure bike lights are clean and in good working order. It is important to remember, 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 of your bike.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

"As we move closer to winter it is sensible to make a few quick changes to our habits to keep ourselves and others safe. For example, taking just five minutes to check your car, bike or scooter can give you peace of mind that you're doing everything you can to ensure safe travel over the winter months.

"And if you're out and about walking or wheeling, then please follow the 'Be Bright, Be Seen' advice. This will make a difference to the safety of all road users, especially for children and parents going to and from school."

There is more information online to remind children and young people about the importance of wearing bright clothing when out and about – including the 'Be Bright, Be Seen' online game – on the Think! website.

The end of October also brings fun for children in the form of spooks and spells on Halloween. Children of all ages love dressing up and going out trick or treating but not everyone wants to join in the activities. Remember many older and vulnerable people would rather not have trick or treaters calling at their door, so please be considerate and only visit houses of people you know or those that are clearly decorated for Halloween.

Buckinghamshire libraries have copies of posters that people can display in their windows to request no trick or treat callers. You can pick one up for free at any library in Buckinghamshire. Alternatively, you can download the poster from Buckinghamshire Council's How to report and tackle anti-social behaviour webpage.