Visibility matters in winter, says GEM Motoring Assist

GEM Motoring Assist is urging all road users to make themselves bright and visible on journeys during the winter months.

The road safety company has pushed the idea that making yourself visible could be a life-saving decision.

Drivers should check that their lights are working properly, keeping them clean.

It has also suggested that lights and visible clothing are vital for cyclists, with pedestrians wearing or carrying something fluorescent or bright, such as a jacket or armband.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “Too many drivers think the automatic light settings mean they don’t need to worry about switching on or off, while others don’t even know all the various lights on their car, let alone when to use them properly.

“Your lights are vital for your safety and the safety of others. Not only do they help you see more clearly on the road, they also provide information to other road users about where you are and where you intend to go.

“So, we encourage you to spend a few minutes checking what happens with your car’s light settings, especially if the car is relatively new to you.

“So please check your lights, clean your lights and use your lights appropriately, as this will make a big difference in reducing their risk of a collision.”

GEM has provided all road users with the following safety and risk management tips below:

• If you’re a car driver, get used to the light settings. Make sure you switch on your front and rear lights but avoid blinding others with full beam or fog lights when not needed.
• Don’t rely on automatic light settings and daytime running lights. If you do, you will find that your lighting to the front will be inadequate, while lighting to the rear will be non-existent.
• Check your lights regularly through the winter months. Make sure every bulb is working properly, and that you keep your lights clean.
• Fog lights are designed to improve your view when visibility is reduced. But the law requires that you switch them off when visibility improves.
• If you’re a cyclist, get the best lights you can – and take time to ensure they are secured at the most effective position and angle.
• Cyclists can also boost safety further by making sure your helmet and clothing are highly visible.

Earlier this year, Gem Motoring Assist called for intelligent speed assistance systems to be made mandatory to cut road deaths caused by speeding.

Excessive and inappropriate speed is accountable for about one-third of fatal collisions and is an aggravating factor in most collisions.