188体育

Children are today being urged to 鈥榖e bright and be seen鈥� ahead of the clocks going back this weekend (27 October 2010).

The Department for Transport鈥檚 THINK! road safety campaign is reminding children of some top tips to help them be seen when out and about on the roads.

Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said:

Britain鈥檚 roads are among the safest in the world and the number of children killed has fallen by 82% in the last 20 years. However, 81 children still died on our roads last year and we know we need to do more to cut this toll.

Making sure that children are easily seen by drivers is important all year round but especially at this time of year when evenings are getting darker. Drivers and riders should also remember to keep a look out for children walking and cycling.

THINK!鈥檚 top tips for making sure children are visible when out on the roads are:

• wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing which shows up well in daylight and at dusk
• if you鈥檙e out and about when it鈥檚 dark, wear reflective gear to make sure you can be seen in car headlights - reflective vests, sashes or wristbands work well. Remember, fluorescent clothing doesn鈥檛 work after dark
• use accessories - even small items such as clip-on reflectors, fluorescent arm bands and stickers on your school bag are a great way to improve your visibility
• if you like to cycle, remember that it鈥檚 the law to have clean and working lights at night (white at the front and red at the back) as well as a rear reflector
• being bright isn鈥檛 the only way to stay safer - if you鈥檙e out at night, choose routes and crossing places that are well lit and remember to always use the Green Cross Code

The THINK! has interactive games and exercises explaining the importance of being visible on the road.

Notes to editors

Parents and teachers of younger children can use the exercises on the THINK! early years education website aimed at children under 7:

There are also a number of for older children

The quoted are for children aged 0-15 and are from reported road casualties Great Britain 2009