Campaign highlights winter dangers

A campaign has been launched to tackle the increase in road casualty rates as a result of darker winter mornings and nights.

The Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative (NRSI) campaign is using bus and radio advertising throughout Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire to urge people to increase their visibility and remind drivers that pedestrians are much harder to see in the dark. The campaign graphics will include images of bandaged arms and heads.

"We can all improve our safety this winter through a simple decision to wear light, bright or reflective clothing when we're out on foot or cycling," said NRSI spokesperson Andrew Wake. "When driving we also need to be mindful of the reduced visibility and weather-related road conditions and allow ourselves greater reaction time by simply slowing down. We should also take the opportunity to check our lights are clean and fully working to ensure our vehicles are visible to pedestrians and other road users. "

According to NRSI, the majority of child pedestrian accidents happen close to home on residential roads, and peak between 8am-9am and 3pm-6pm as children travel to and from school.   

The NRSI works with local authorities in the north west, Midlands and Yorkshire to reduce road casualties. Further details are available from Andrew Wake on 0161 455 2105.