Winter Road Safety

The darker nights and bad weather of autumn and winter make it harder to see others on the road. Commuting to work and travelling to school are largely done in the dark or with reduced visibility, and more people, including children, are killed or seriously injured on the roads over these months. It’s your responsibility to do everything you can to keep other road users safe, especially those more vulnerable than yourself.

No one gets into their car intending to cause harm, but the speed and weight of cars makes them dangerous, and it’s your responsibility when you get behind the wheel to minimise the risk you pose to others by driving carefully and looking out for others, avoiding distractions like your phone, and keeping below the speed limit. 

As the nights draw in, you can help keep Bristol safe using doing the following:

    • Be aware of the hierarchy of responsibility and your responsibilities towards the most vulnerable people on the roads – people walking and people riding bikes, e-scooters and motorcycles.
    • Don’t assume people walking, cycling, or riding e-scooter riders will wear hi-viz, which isn’t compulsory – you need to be looking out for people in dark clothing too. People should use lights when cycling after dark, but you should be extra careful looking out for cyclists without lights too: safe driving means being aware of all potential hazards.
    • Take extra time to double check that junctions and crossing points are safe before proceeding – most collisions occur in these locations.
    • Stay below the speed limit: if you hit someone at 30mph, there’s a 50% chance they’ll die, if you hit them at 20mph, there’s a 90% chance they’ll live. With poor visibility, your reaction time drops, so driving a little slower could save a life.
    • If the low sun is dazzling you, slow down to a safe speed – if you can’t see the road well, that might be as low at 10mph or below. Many drivers unintentionally hurt others by driving too fast when dazzled. Keeping sunglasses in your car can help avoid dazzle
    • Ensure that your lights work before setting off. Use lights appropriately – side lights or normal beam are usually sufficient. Do not use front or rear fog lights unless the visibility is seriously reduced.
    • Ensure your vehicle is well maintained., screen washer fluid is topped up, and that your tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct levels – this will save you fuel as well as reduce risks. Find out about tyre safety at TyreSafe.com
    • Be wary of other vehicles flashing their headlights and do your own checks to ensure it is safe before moving.
    • Ensure you are giving other road users enough space, particularly when overtaking – you should leave at least 1.5m when overtaking someone cycling or scooting. That usually means moving into the opposite lane. Slow down to walking pace and be ready to stop when you need to pass horse riders
    • If your windows are obscured by condensation or ice, ensure you clean them all off before setting off.
    • Carry a hi-visibility vest or jacket and put this on if you should need to get out of the car in the dark, especially on faster roads.
    • Consider getting a dash cam to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving to Avon and Somerset Police
    • Walking is a great way to enjoy crisp winter evenings, and wearing bright, reflective outer clothing such as coats, hats, gloves and footwear can help you be visible. A torch is useful for routes without lighting.
    • Use dedicated crossings where possible, and make sure to look carefully before crossing, especially in the dark, when it may be harder for drivers to see you.
    • Phones, headphones and other handheld devices can be distracting, particularly when looking to cross the road, we’d recommend putting them away and taking extra care when crossing if you’re listening to headphones.
    • If your usual route feels less safe in the dark, for example because it is quiet and poorly lit, don’t let that put you off walking – consider alternatives that have more lighting and are busier, for example along high streets or main roads.
    • Similarly to pedestrians and cyclists, wear bright, reflective outer clothing and wear reflective items over the top of your clothes.
    • We would recommend wearing full safety equipment, including helmet, gloves, boots and suit. This equipment gives you the best chance of staying safe should you be involved in a crash.
    • Ensure all your lights are working and your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition.
    • Ride in the middle of the lane and always ride believing that other road users have not seen you.
    • Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving to Avon and Somerset Police.
    • The dark evenings needn’t stop you cycling, but at night your bike must have working white front and red rear lights.
    • Similarly to pedestrians, bright, reflective outer clothing, or reflective items over the top of your clothes and bags, can help you be seen.
    • Be careful around those more vulnerable than you, such as pedestrians, especially on shared space paths.
    • Never assume a driver’s seen you, even if you are using lights. Ride in the middle of the lane where appropriate to avoid traffic squeezing by – you can find out more about the safest road positioning for cycling here.
    • Try to avoid very powerful lights positioned in a way which could dazzle others.
    • If your usual route feels less safe in the dark, for example because it is quiet and poorly lit, you may find there’s a safe alternative by using residential roads, that are low traffic but well lit. You can search for cycle route planners online that will help you find options.
    • Consider getting a mounted camera to record your journeys and report any dangerous driving to Avon and Somerset Police.

     

    In Bristol, you can come and speak to the travel roadshow team and get a free pair of bike lights, hi-vis vest or rucksack cover. Our expert travel advisors have the latest information on cycling, walking & public transport services. They can help you with personalised route planning and sign post you to free support services that include borrow a bicycle, one to one adult cycle training, accompanied rides, and bus tickets. Dr Bike will also be there, providing free Bike health checks and fixing minor issues. Find the team at the following locations:

    • Remember that only e-scooters rented from Dott are legal in Bristol, and that you can’t ride them under the influence of alcohol – if you do, you could lose your driving licence.
    • Similarly to pedestrians, bright, reflective outer clothing, or reflective items over the top of your clothes and bags, can help you be seen.
    • Be careful around those more vulnerable than you, such as pedestrians, especially on shared space paths.
    • Never assume a driver’s seen you.
    • If you’ve not ridden a e-scooter before, take some time to get used to one on a quiet road – injuries at more likely in the first few rides when people are getting used to e-scooters for the first time.

Information provided by Bristol City Council