Be Bright Be Seen 2023, with Kent County Council, has 25,000 free keyrings to giveaway
04:50, 23 October 2023
The clocks go back this Sunday which will mean more of us will be travelling around Kent in the dark.
Whether that’s taking the kids to and from school, going to work, making a quick dash to the shop or walking the dog – the darker evenings put pedestrians in more danger because they become harder to see by passing drivers.
Last year 121 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in Kent with 24% – or 29 – under the age of 16.
While 86 youngsters under the age of 16 were fortunate enough to come away with only slight injuries after becoming involved – as a pedestrian - in an incident on one of the county’s roads.
But it is the morning rush hour, from 8am until 8.59am, and after school period, between 3pm until just before 6pm, when the greatest number of pedestrian casualties under the age of 16 are injured.
To help ensure the safety of the county’s youngsters this winter we're bringing back our incredibly successful Be Bright Be Seen campaign - with the support of Kent County Council's Road Safety Team - and giving away thousands of reflective keyrings to help children be more visible.
We’ve 25,000 key rings to hand out ahead of the winter to schools, clubs, sports teams or youth groups.
When it is foggy or overcast, pedestrians and cyclists should wear something brightly coloured. In the dark it must be reflective in order to be picked out by cars and other lights on the road.
Our specially-designed keyrings can easily be clipped onto bags, coats, bikes or scooters- while you can also use additional items like reflective armbands, stickers, vests or tabards too.
Teachers, teaching assistants, youth group leaders and sports coaches across Kent are all being invited to apply for an allocation of free keyrings.
And you can make an application request for your batch here.
David Williams, Safer Road User Officer at KCC explained: "As the mornings and evenings get darker, the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists is always a concern at this time of year.
"This campaign perfectly illustrates how something as simple as making a decision on what clothing you wear could potentially save your life."