As we just pass the shortest day of the year, it's becoming more vital than ever to make sure that you wear high-visibility clothing, or at least an armband, when out walking or cycling. That is true most especially at night, when over half of pedestrian fatalities occur.
According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), road deaths are up by 21 fatalities this year, and vulnerable road users (a category that includes cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists) account for a full third of the total, and more than half of those were after dark. Despite this, and decades of advice and the classic tagline 'Be Safe, Be Seen' it seems that we're still not getting the message. According to a survey carried out by the RSA, only a third of cyclists observed in November were wearing reflective clothing or belts and the same was true for motorcyclists. When it came to more casual road users, such as those using Dublin Bikes, the number wearing reflectors dropped to a staggeringly low 4.5 per cent.
Mr John Caulfield, Interim CEO, Road Safety Authority said: "To date this year, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have accounted for one third of road fatalities and this shows just how vulnerable these road users are. With fewer hours of daylight during the winter months, it's even more important for vulnerable road users to ensure that they can be seen by other road-users when out on the roads. Wearing high visibility material is a simple and effective way to make sure you are clearly seen when out walking, cycling or motorcycling. We would encourage everyone to put on their high visibility vest, jacket or Sam Browne belt to show your support for 'National Be Safe, Be Seen Day' this Saturday. It could help to save a life."
Anything else?
Speaking at the launch Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: "We are delighted to support the Road Safety Authority's 'Be Safe, Be Seen Day' for the third year. We have provided over 240,000 high vis vests to children starting school throughout Ireland over the past three years to help them stay safe on their daily journeys to and from school. We know safety of children is upper most in the minds of all parents and we hope this simple step helps keep our youngest members of society safer."