Road safety advice for darker evenings from Kent County Council's Road Safety Team as the clocks change

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

The clocks went back this weekend signalling the official end of British Summertime.

It will also now mean that many more of us will be travelling around Kent in the dark.

If children wear dark coats and clothing to school parents need to help ensure they can be seen by car headlights

Whether that's to and from school, to an after school activity or sports club, a quick dash to the shops or walking the dog - the darker evenings put us and our children in more danger as pedestrians become harder to see by passing motorists.

During foggy and overcast days pedestrians and cyclists are advised to wear something brightly coloured. And at night it should be reflective so that it can be picked up by vehicles and lights on the road. This could be anything from armbands and stickers to reflective vests or tabards.

For the third year running KM Media Group has teamed up with Kent County Council's Road Safety Team to remind families how important it is to Be Bright Be Seen at this time of year and to giveaway thousands of reflective keyrings to help parents kit their kids out for travelling in the dark.

Our reflective keyrings carry the Be Bright Be Seen reminder

KCC road safety officer David Williams said: “A combination of shorter daylight hours and dark clothing always makes pedestrians’ and cyclists’ visibility a concern at this time of year.

"It is important that we make sure ourselves and our children are as visible as possible to vehicles. This campaign perfectly illustrates how something as simple as making a decision on what clothing you wear could potentially save your life.”

Are your children visible in the dusk or dark?

If you're a teacher, sports coach or community leader you can apply for a batch of free reflective key rings. We also welcome applications from scouting groups, sports teams or other community organisations who have children aged up to 11 in their care.

For further details about this year's Be Bright Be Seen campaign visit www.kmfm.co.uk/promos/be-bright-be-seen

If you're looking for things to do with the kids during autumn and winter including festive light trails and Christmas lights switch-ons please click here.