With the October Bank Holiday here, all road users, including motorists must do what they can to make sure they can be seen. You’re probably making plans to meet up with mates. But as the evenings get seriously dark, there’s something you need to have in your head before you go out: being invisible on the road is a huge risk.
Whether you're walking home from the bus, cycling, or grabbing an e-scooter, the game changes when it’s dark. The stats don't lie. RSA research shows that 20% of cyclist serious injuries occurred in the dark. Pedestrians in particular are at risk with 521 pedestrians were seriously injured in the hours of darkness between 2020 and 2024. October to December is a particularly risky time of the year for pedestrians as over a third of pedestrian serious injuries occur during these months, and half of those happen during hours of darkness.
Here’s the deal on why being seen is so important: The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) says if you’re wearing dark clothes, a driver using normal headlights will only spot you from about 30 metres away. At 50km/h, that gives them less than three seconds to react. It’s nothing. Now, if you're wearing something reflective—they can see you from 150 metres away. That’s five times the warning and could be the difference between a car flying past you and a serious accident.
So, before you head out this weekend, just think about these simple things. It's not a lecture; it's just smart.
- If you're walking: No footpath? Walk on the right so you can see the traffic coming towards you. Use the torch on your phone if it's a dark road and wear a brighter jacket if you have one.
- On a bike or e-scooter: Your lights aren't just for show. Make sure they work and switch them on. It's the law, and it's also common sense. Wearing a helmet is a no-brainer, and throwing on a high-vis jacket or bag cover makes you stand out.
- If you're a new driver: Remember how hard it is to spot people in the dark. Dip your headlights so you don't blind anyone, and slow down. You have no idea who or what might be just ahead.
Look out for yourself and your mates this bank holiday. Have a good one, stay safe and make sure you’re seen.
