Staying safe on our roads this winter

With the nights drawing in, pedestrians and cyclists are being reminded to stay safe when using the borough’s roads and pavements this winter

Wendy Andrew, a Highways Casualty Reduction Office for Rochdale Borough Council’s Impact Partnership, said:

“The roads are more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in winter so we’re asking people to take extra care.

“Children are most vulnerable so it’s really important that parents teach them about the risks, some basic precautions and continue to reinforce the message.”

“Make sure you show your children how to cross the road safely by doing it with them. They need to know to choose a safe place to cross the road away from parked or stationary vehicles, with clear visibility for them and for drivers, and to make sure to stop, listen and look properly in all directions.

“It’s a good idea for everyone to wear something reflective, be it a jacket or a reflective clip or strip attached to clothing, a bag or footwear. Reflective material can be seen up to 150 metres away at night which could add an extra 11 seconds onto the time that a driver travelling at 30mph has to react. For young children we would even recommend that they wear a high visibility, reflective jacket as they walk to and from school.

“It’s really important to listen and concentrate when crossing the road. One in four pedestrians hit by a vehicle is distracted by some sort of portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone or music player. Listening to music or texting takes away all your concentration.”

31 October 2011