The clocks are changing this weekend.
Last week we shared 9 tips to help motorists avoid breaking Rule 144 of The Highway Code when driving in the dark.
This week we’ve dug into The Highway Code again to help other road users to Be Safe, Be Seen.
Here are the 11 Be Safe Be Seen Highway Code rules for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, mobility scooter users and horse riders [… including one about herding animals AND 2 LAWS].
PEDESTRIANS
RULE 3: Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (example. armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.
RULE 5 (organised walks): Large groups of people walking together should use a footway or footpath if available; if one is not, they should keep to the left. Look-outs should be positioned at the front and back of the group and they should wear fluorescent clothes in daylight and reflective clothes in the dark. At night the look-out in front should show a white light and the one at the back a red light. People on the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing.
RULE 17 (at night): Wear something reflective to make it easier for others to see you (see Rule 3). If there is no pedestrian crossing nearby, cross the road near a street light so that traffic can see you more easily.
RULE 58 (animals being herded): These should be kept under control at all times. You should, if possible, send another person along the road in front to warn other road users, especially at a bend or the brow of a hill. It is safer not to move animals after dark, but if you do, then wear reflective clothing and ensure that lights are carried (white at the front and red at the rear of the herd).
POWERED WHEELCHAIR AND MOBILITY SCOOTER USERS
RULE 43 (A LAW): You must follow the same rules about using lights, indicators and horns as for other road vehicles if your vehicle is fitted with them. At night lights must be used. Be aware that other road users may not be able to see you and you should make yourself more visible – even in the daytime and also at dusk – by, for instance, wearing a reflective jacket or reflective strips on the back of the vehicle.
HORSE RIDERS
RULE 50: You should wear:
- boots or shoes with hard soles and heels
- light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight
- reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in poor visibility
CYCLISTS
RULE 59 (clothing):You should wear in the correct size and securely fastened:
- a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations
- appropriate clothes for cycling – avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
- light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users see you in daylight and poor light
- reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark
RULE 60 (LAW): Between sunset and sunrise your cycle must have white front and red rear lights lit. It must also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 24 January 1996). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
MOTORCYCLISTS
RULE 86 (daylight riding): Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and the rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. However, be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.
RULE 87 (riding in the dark): Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark. These reflect the light from the headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a long distance. See rules 113–116 for lighting requirements.
MOTORISTS/PASSENGERS AT A BREAKDOWN
RULE 274: If your vehicle breaks down, think first of all other road users and:
- get your vehicle off the road if possible
- warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
help other road users see you by wearing light coloured fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility
- put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them – always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways
- keep your side lights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
- do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
- at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights
The best advice to Be Safe, Be Seen is wear fluorescent by day and reflective by night. Or better still, both.
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