Spotlight shone on road safety with police campaign

Be Bright, Be Seen.

As the darker nights draw in, Durham Constabulary is encouraging young people to stand out and be visible when out and about.

The annual Be Bright Be Seen campaign will see officers distribute reflective key fobs to primary school children and carrying out school talks to remind our youngsters of the importance of being seen especially on the way to and from school.

Top tips include:

• Wearing bright clothing
• Attaching a reflective item to your school bag or coat
• Taking extra care when crossing the road to make sure the coast is clear
• Have appropriate lights attached to your bike or scooter – and don’t forget your helmet!

The reflective fobs have been funded by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, and will be initially distributed to one school in County Durham and one in Darlington.

The fobs are designed to be attached to dark school uniforms, coats, and bags, making children more visible during their journeys to and from school.

Motorists are also being encouraged to do their bit by making sure their vehicle lights are in full working order and that their eyesight is up to the mark.

This will be tested as the campaign runs alongside the force’s Operation Insight, with officers carrying out random checks on drivers’ eyesight against the legal 20m rule, just as you did in your driving test.

Any driver that fails the test will automatically have their driving licence revoked under Cassie’s Law. It is your responsibility to make sure your eyesight it up to a suitable standard.

Sergeant Sarah Manser said: “Now the darker nights are coming in, it’s more important than ever to make sure your eyesight is up to scratch and your vehicle is roadworthy so you can do your bit to keep yourself and other road users safe.

“We are also encouraging pedestrians, particularly children, to be bright and be seen with our officers visiting schools across the force area to highlight this important message. Please help us to keep everyone safe this winter.”

Commissioner Allen said: “The October clock change brings many hidden perils for road users. Reflective items are a small, practical way of heightening visibility, allowing motorists to see pedestrians much sooner and to take appropriate caution on approach.

“I am pleased to play this small part in increasing the safety of school pupils and would urge motorists too to adjust their speed and behaviour on our roads this autumn and winter, travelling only in a manner that conditions safely allow."