It’s November. It’s dark out there and it’s time to think road safety!

Now is the time to kit the kids out with reflective strips and glow in the dark accessories, to help keep them safe on their walk to and from school, especially if you live in a rural area and have to navigate dark country lanes every morning and evening.

Ensure your safety as a pedestrian or cyclist

Making sure that you are seen by traffic can be a big way to ensure your safety as a pedestrian or a cyclist. Even during the daytime, using basic reflective gear can literally be a lifesaver, but what to choose?

Pick something removable or lightweight, avoiding a full neon coat or trousers – the kids will only refuse to wear them. Also, consider how you are seen from all angles – front and back, as well as from the sides if you are crossing busy roads.

Encourage the whole school to invest

I did a little research and discovered a plethora of great ideas you can use for your family, or talk to your school and encourage the whole school to invest in some life-saving items for the children.

My personal favourites include stick on reflectors for arms, shoulders, wrists and ankles, and the reflective clips that kids love to ‘collect’. In fact, how about offering a collection of super-fun reflective items as ‘rewards’ rather than sweets and encourage your kids to take responsibility for staying safe and visible.

Start young and good habits will grow. Also, peer pressure to ‘stay safe and be seen’ will quickly catch on at school if the reflectors are fun, desirable and have to be earned. Suddenly the most glowing students are literally glowing, and taking great pride in taking care of themselves.

If you have a pet, try a reflective harness to ensure you always know where they are on those bedtime walks; and why not treat the family to a high-vis reflective sash each for walking, cycling, jogging or simply staying safe out and about.

I cannot overstate the importance of making yourself visible, especially as our clothes seem to morph into a black hole of invisibility as soon as winter comes around.

Brush up on general road safety

As well as ensuring you can be seen, it’s important to brush up on general road safety. Reminding kids of the lessons they learned in their cycling proficiency training and modelling best behaviour by never going out without ensuring you are visible, will all go a long way to keeping your family safe during the winter months.

As a quick addendum, do you carry a car kit in the boot, just in case? A very basic car kit includes a reflective triangle and high-vis vest – in case you break down and need to be seen. You’ll also benefit from a travel first aid kit and emergency foil blanket. Add warm clothes and a litre of water and you are good to go, and well prepared for whatever the dark nights may throw at you. Happy travels!