Be Bright Be Seen 2025 returns across Kent and Medway with free reflective keyrings and visibility jackets up for grabs

When the clocks go back later this month, it will signal the end of British Summertime and the start of more of us travelling around Kent and Medway in the dark.

Whether that’s to go to work or school, the gym, play a sport or a quick dash to the corner shop while walking the dog - the darker evenings put those moving around on foot in greater danger simply because pedestrians become harder to see by passing motorists.

Last year, 145 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured on Kent’s roads - 31 of those under the age of 16.

More than 80 children also incurred slight injuries as a result of a collision in 2024 - with the morning rush hour and after-school period, between 3pm and 6pm, witnessing the greatest number of pedestrian casualties under the age of 16.

In Medway, 31 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in 2024 - 10 of those under the age of 16 - while a further 18 young people incurred slight injuries as a result of a collision.

And more than 60% of those incidents in Medway involving a child under the age of 16 took place, say Medway Council, during the morning rush hour or in the three hours after school from 3pm until 6pm.

To help ensure the safety of youngsters while they’re out and about this winter we’re bringing back our hugely successful Be Bright Be Seen campaign.

With the support of Kent County Council’s Safer Road User Team we are giving away 25,000 reflective discs to help children in Kent be more visible.

If you live in Medway - thanks to Medway Council and Specsavers - we are giving away 3,000 reflective discs and 1,000 visibility jackets to schools, clubs, sports teams and youth groups ahead of the darkest winter months.

Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s portfolio holder covering Highways, said: “I’m sure most of us have noticed over the last couple of weeks that it’s starting to get darker earlier.

“The Be Bright, Be Seen campaign is a great way to remind people to stay safe when they’re out on our roads – whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian. Wearing something reflective is an easy thing we can all do which will help you be spotted in the dark – and ultimately keep you and others safe this winter.”

Retail director of Specsavers Medway, Craig Holland, added: “We are once again proud to be working with Medway Council road safety to help children stay safe on the roads this winter and helping the community see more clearly.”

Alongside the Be Bright Be Seen campaign, we’re also reminding households about the small but very important steps they can also take at home to ensure their family members are visible when they leave the house at the start or end of the day - particularly once the clocks have gone back on Sunday, October 26.

During foggy and overcast days, this means pedestrians and cyclists should wear something brightly coloured to make them stand out to drivers.

In the dark, it should include something reflective so that individuals can be picked up by a vehicle’s headlights as it passes and by other lighting on paths and roads.

David Williams from KCC added: "As the mornings and evenings get darker, the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists is always a concern at this time of year.

“Whilst drivers must take extra care to look out for vulnerable road users, it is important that we make ourselves and our children as visible as possible to other road users, particularly with many children wearing dark coloured uniforms and coats. Bright clothing and reflective accessories such as these reflective keyrings will help improve your visibility.

“This campaign perfectly illustrates how something as simple as making a decision on what clothing you wear could potentially save your life."

If you live or work in Kent you can apply here for an allocation of free reflective keyrings for your school or youth group.

For those in Medway you can apply here to be in with a chance of collecting reflective disks and/or visibility jackets.

Teachers, teaching assistants, youth group leaders and sports coaches are all being invited to apply for the items that will help keep safe the children in your care.