Devon County Council urges caution as shorter days and bad weather approach

As British Summer Time ends and the clocks go back on Sunday 27 October, Devon County Council is reminding all road users to take extra care over the autumn and winter months.

With fewer daylight hours and visibility often affected by poor weather conditions, everyone is being encouraged to “look out for one another” on Devon’s roads.

Drivers are asked to look out for more vulnerable road users and to give them plenty of time and space.

Cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders are all encouraged to “be bright, be seen”, by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure they can be seen clearly. Pedestrians walking in areas where it is dark or where there are no footways are also encouraged to wear clothing that will make them more visible.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “I would urge everyone to look out for one another on Devon's roads, particularly at this time of year. Conditions are more hazardous with shorter daylight hours and poor weather conditions, but everyone can do their bit to help keep each other safe.

“Cyclists, motorcyclists and equestrians can wear bright, fluorescent and reflective clothing to make themselves more visible to passing vehicles. Walking is generally a safe activity but when it is dark or if there’s poor visibility or maybe no footway, it’s a good idea for pedestrians to also wear clothing that will help them be visible.

“Drivers should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders plenty of space when overtaking. Remember to drive according to conditions and you may need to use headlights during the day in poor light conditions to make sure you can be seen as well as seeing others.”

To help provide Devon primary schoolchildren with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe when walking to school, Devon County Council recently launched its free Walkability (Child Pedestrian Training) course.

The training for Devon schoolchildren in years three to six, is funded by Vision Zero South West road safety partnership and delivered by Active Devon on behalf of the County Council.

Schools interested in the two-hour training course can find out more on Active Devon’s website.

The advice from Devon County Council is:

- Pedestrians should use marked crossing points where possible. Although they 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 visit our winter webpages and the Travel Devon website.