With the clocks going back an hour this weekend (Sunday 26 October) as British Summer Time ends, all road users are being reminded to take extra care over the autumn and winter months.
The reduced daylight hours and poor weather conditions at this time of year can affect visibility, so the advice is to “look out for one another” on Devon’s roads.
Vulnerable road users should be given plenty of time and space by drivers, while cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders are urged to “be bright, be seen”, by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing in order to be seen clearly. Pedestrians walking in areas where it is dark or where there are no footways are encouraged to wear hi-vis or reflective clothing.
Schools and parents are also reminded that inconsiderate or inappropriate parking affects visibility and can make it difficult for others to walk, cycle or cross the road. Schools are asked to encourage parents, carers and school staff who drive, to comply with parking restrictions outside school, and only park and stop in safe places. To help create a better and safer environment outside schools, do NOT park:
• Near the school entrance;
• On the SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR yellow zigzag lines;
• On single yellow lines when a restriction is in place;
• On double yellow lines.
Schools can use free Government education resources and our road safety support for schools.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“At this time of year, simply taking that extra bit of care can help make Devon’s roads safer. Poor weather and reduced daylight hours can make conditions hazardous, so it’s worth allowing a bit of extra time for your journey and making sure you look out for others. The advice to make sure the area around schools is kept clear applies all year round but it’s worth remembering over the coming months. No matter how you’re travelling, please be aware of others and give each other plenty of room.”
Our advice to all road users is:
- Pedestrians should use marked crossing points where possible. Although pedestrians may have right of way over traffic on a zebra or light controlled crossing they are still responsible for ensuring that they don’t step out onto the crossing until vehicles have stopped for them;
- Cyclists must use a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back;
- Horse riders are advised to select crossing points very carefully and are asked to show courtesy to drivers who have slowed down for them;
- Motorists should overtake only when it is safe to do so, and drivers should pass slowly and allow plenty of room when overtaking;
- All road users should look out for each other and take care, particularly in wet or icy conditions or if there are leaves on the road.
For more information about travelling on Devon’s roads this winter, please visit our winter webpages and the Travel Devon website.