Personal Injury: Winter safety tips for road users and pedestrians: Lights, brights and visibility.

If you are driving in these darker evenings, out walking your dog, jogging or cycling, it is important to be aware of what you can do to keep yourself and other road users safe this autumn and winter.

Lights: New car? Learn how where to turn on headlights, and where your full/dipped beam functions are.

In the past few weeks, I have seen a few drivers who have been on the roads after dark with only their side lights on. This means they have no rear lights and probably cannot see all too well where they are going.

Before you start your journey, make sure your headlights are set to dipped beam and that you know how to turn on your fog lights and your high beams. Conditions in a UK winter can change quickly, and so it is extremely important that you are visible to other road users.

Check your brake lights are working too, either by having someone check as you depress the brake, or by reversing up to a wall or other surface and seeing whether the brake lights illuminate that surface.

Tailgating 

The driving and light conditions change quite suddenly when the clocks go back, especially for commuters and people who care for older family members. This means that there are likely to be many on the road who are getting used to driving at night again, and this might make them a little slower and more cautious.

What doesn’t help, and what puts motorists at risk, is tailgating. Not only could the glare from your headlights be distracting to the vehicle in front, it is also intimidating for the person in front and may cause them to act in panic.

For the sake of reaching your destination a little later than usual, and in one piece, don’t tailgate. Leave a respectful distance of at least one car’s length in dry conditions, and two car lengths in wet or icy conditions.

Do not flash or beep your horn to intimidate other road users.

Pedestrian crossings

Pedestrians are more difficult to spot at this time of year. Make it a habit to slow down for pedestrian crossings (traffic lights, pelican crossings, etc) so that you have more time to react and stop. You have a duty to pedestrians as a driver, and if you fail to stop and end up hitting a pedestrian, you could find yourself facing not only a civil injury claim, but also criminal prosecution.

Slow down and be vigilant at all types of pedestrian crossing.

Brights: Pedestrians, if you are wearing dark clothes at night, chances are that motorists cannot see you.

Things look very different on the roads when you are a pedestrian because you have light all around you. When you are in a car you are enclosed in a dark cabin with brake lights and opposing traffic shining in your face.

The conditions for drivers, and the weak street lights, all make it very difficult to see pedestrians in time or at all when driving.

Although drivers have a duty to pedestrians, the reality is that often in the darker months’ accidents are caused simply because the pedestrian was not visible until it was too late for the driver to react. That’s not to say it was the pedestrian’s fault. We are, after all, free to dress however we like.

However, to keep safe and seen as a pedestrian, it is important when you are walking in the dark, no matter how well you think you are lit by traffic and street lamps, that you are unquestionably visible to traffic.

Visibility: Keeping pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and other road users safe

High visibility clothing is a must for pedestrian and cycle safety this time of year. Help the people around you and keep yourself safe by making yourself as visible as possible to other road users. Whether you are a dog-walker, a runner or you are walking home from work, I would certainly advise at least one of the following:-

1.  Avoid dark coloured clothing or coats: If you are dressed in dark clothing, you will blend into your surroundings and, at times, the effect of this is that you become almost completely invisible to motorists.
2. High visibility reflective clothing and accessories: If possible, add reflective items to your outfit. You can get harnesses, high vis vests and even coats made of completely reflective material that will light you up like a beacon whenever vehicles pass you.
3. Lighting: Carry a torch, wear a head torch (or if cycling, install lights) or get yourself a light vest: If you need to cross a road or junction, pause and put your torch on, giving more time for drivers to react to you.

If we all do our part to be visible on foot, and to slow down and be courteous when driving. In doing so, we can do our part to avoid road traffic accidents and the catastrophic effects they often have on the victims.

We are here to help

Despite our best efforts, things don’t always go to plan though. If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, whether as a pedestrian, a passenger, a runner or a motorcyclist, get in touch for free initial advice that won’t cost you a penny, with no strings attached.

Contact us through our website, come to our free legal advice surgery or complete our easy fill form for your free 30 minute appointment to discuss your injuries, and how a personal injury claim works and might benefit you.