Department for Transport
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

THINK! REMINDS CHILDREN TO BE BRIGHT TO BE SEEN

THINK! REMINDS CHILDREN TO BE BRIGHT TO BE SEEN

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 27 October 2010

Children are today being urged to 'be bright and be seen’ ahead of the clocks going back this weekend.

The Department for Transport's THINK! road safety campaign is reminding children of some top tips to help them be seen when out and about on the roads.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"Britain's roads are among the safest in the world and the number of children killed has fallen by 82% in the last 20 years. However, 81 children still died on our roads last year and we know we need to do more to cut this toll.

"Making sure that children are easily seen by drivers is important all year round but especially at this time of year when evenings are getting darker. Drivers and riders should also remember to keep a look out for children walking and cycling."

THINK!'s top tips for making sure children are visible when out on the roads are:

1. Wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing which shows up well in daylight and at dusk.

2. If you are out and about when it's dark, wear reflective gear to make sure you can be seen in car headlights. Reflective vests, sashes or wristbands work well. Remember, fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark.

3. Use accessories - even small items such as clip-on reflectors, fluorescent arm bands and stickers on your school bag are a great way to improve your visibility.

4. If you like to cycle, remember that it's the law to have clean and working lights at night (white at the front and red at the back) as well as a rear reflector.

5. Being bright isn't the only way to stay safer. If you are out at night, choose routes and crossing places that are well lit and remember to always use the Green Cross Code.

The THINK! Tales of the Road website has interactive games and exercises explaining the importance of being visible on the road. Children can visit: http://talesoftheroad.d irect.gov.uk/be-bright.php.

Notes to Editors

1. Parents and teachers of younger children can use the exercises on the THINK! early years education website aimed at children under seven:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/early-years-and-primary/pupils/ under-5s/play/

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/early-years-and-primar y/docs/story_bright_is_right.pdf

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/ear ly-years-and-primary/pupils/5-to-7/play/know-the-road/cant-miss-molly/

2. Exercises for older children can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/secondary/students/find-your- way/find-your-way/

3. Statistics quoted are for children aged 0-15 and are from Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2009:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublication s/accidents/casualtiesgbar/rrcgb2009

Press Enquires: 020 7944 3066 Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292 Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000 Department for Transport Website: www.dft.gov.uk | www.twitter.com/transportgovuk | www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk

Contacts:

DfT Press Office - Roads
Phone: 020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story