RSA-Road Safety During The Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend

As the evenings are getting darker with the clocks going back, the risks on our roads increase for everyone, especially vulnerable road users, such as people walking, cycling, scooting and motorcycling.

RSA research shows stances of serious injuries during the hours of darkness between 2020-2024 as follows:

• Pedestrians: 36%
• Cyclists: 18%
• Motorcyclists: 18%

The risk increased this time of year for pedestrians with RSA research showing that over a third of pedestrian serious injuries occur between October and December, and half of those happen during hours of darkness.

These figures serve as a powerful reminder that visibility and vigilance is crucial to making our roads safer for all of us who share them.

Key Safety Reminders:

For pedestrians: If there’s no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing to ensure you can be seen. Use a torch for unlit roads.

For cyclists, motorcyclists, and e-scooter users: Check that your lights are working properly and wear a helmet,  reflective or high-vis clothing to stay visible in low-light conditions.

For motorists: Use dipped headlights, reduce your speed, and always stay alert for people walking, cycling, or riding on two wheels, particularly in the evenings and at night.

When everyone makes the effort to be seen and stay alert, we make the roads safer for all.

This bank holiday weekend, slow down, be alert, take care, and look out for each other.