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Be seen stay alive advice from council
As the clocks go back this weekend council chiefs are urging road-users to take extra care.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during bad or dark weather and Bedford Borough Council bosses hope a range of simple steps (below) will help to prevent accidents.
Councillor Charles Royden, portfolio holder for the environment and transport at Borough Hall, said: “We all have a responsibility to look after ourselves and each other on the roads throughout the year.
“However, this is even more important during the winter months when it gets darker earlier and road conditions and visibility can be at their worst.
“Taking a few simple steps to make sure we can see and be seen is incredibly important and this campaign aims to remind everyone in the borough to make sure they stay safe.”
Pedestrians:
Try to stick to well lit areas wherever possible
Do not wear dark clothing. Fluorescent is ideal during the day and if possible use reflective clothing at night, if not, wear lightly coloured clothes Be aware of your surroundings and look out for cars and cyclists.
Cyclists:
Do not wear dark clothing. Fluorescent is ideal during the day and if possible use reflective clothing at night, if not, wear lightly coloured clothes.
Make sure you have lights on your bike.
In addition to lights, you should have reflectors on your bike (red at the back, white and front and amber on the pedals). Also, make sure the reflectors can be seen and aren’t covered by bags, coats or overhanging clothes.
Be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles on the road
Motorcyclists:
Wearing something fluorescent during the day combined with reflective detailing for riding at night is ideal.
If visibility is poor, use your headlights, even in daylight
Use a clear visor or goggles with the BS4110 mark or the EC Regulation 22 type 05 mark
Make sure your visor/goggles are clean and not fogged up (use an anti fog treatment)
Drivers:
If visibility is poor, use your headlights, even in daylight.
Don’t drive at all with misty windows. Wait a couple more minutes for your windscreen and windows to clear.
Take time to clear any ice or snow from all your windows before driving off
Make sure your lights are clean; grime and dirt can reduce their brightness.
Check all your lights at least once a week and replace “blown” bulbs immediately
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Weather for Bedford
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
