In an effort to encourage parents and children to adopt fluorescent clothing, GEM Motoring Assist is offering a number of ‘Glow Home Safely’ kits which can be won during the course of this week (4 – 8 November).
GEM’s Glow Home Safely kits include florescent reflective jackets for adults and kids, ‘Glow in the Dark’ slap bands, and stickers.
GEM says that kids love all things ‘Glow in the Dark’ and as such it should not be a problem to convince them to adopt fluorescent reflective clothing and accessories during the winter months. GEM adds that parents should not let the kids simply ‘Glow it Alone’ but should also wear a fluorescent reflective safety jacket for the winter walk to school walk.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM, said: “The DfT has research which shows around 80 deaths and 200 serious injuries would be prevented on our roads each year if the UK switched to GMT+ 1 in winter and GMT+ 2 in summer.
“Until these changes are made, pedestrians should be especially careful when walking in the dark. Fluorescent reflective yellow jackets are fairly cheap and easy to buy and parents and kids will be much more visible in motorist’s headlamps. It could literally be a life saver.
“A past poll carried out by GEM found that a staggering 86% of drivers worried about being able to see child pedestrians in the dark winter months. Drivers of course need to play their part and be extra vigilant when driving in and around built-up areas and known school run routes – especially around school closing times and in these early weeks of adjustment to the change of clocks.”
To have a chance of winning, visit GEM’s Facebook page any day between 4 – 8 November. Follow the entry instructions and GEM will draw five winners at random – one from each day’s entry.
Fluorescent is not the same as Glow in the Dark as it needs a light source almost directed straight at it. Even walking under street lighting does not guarantee visibility and one needs to be more directly within the light source from a headlight.
During daylight Day glo is fine and until late evening it may be effective but when street lighting comes on it’s not as effective so extra care must be taken and it should not be assumed that one is seen.
Something like an illuminating armband or vest such as horse riders wear would be much better. Armbands can be purchased at cheap shops for about a £1 each.
bob craven Lancs
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