Countywide – Are you being safe and seen on the roads?

As we all settle into the darker nights and change our clocks (yes, even the one on the oven), it is important to remind each other of how this affects our safety as road users.

Suffolk Police are supporting a national campaign, running for two weeks, designed to raise awareness of the risks faced by pedestrians and horse riders. These groups tend to disproportionately account for those seriously injured or killed in collisions on the roads. The campaign begins today (28 October 2024).

Incidents involving pedestrians and horse riders often occur when a motorist has failed to slow down sufficiently and allow sufficient space to go around them – which is a particular issue with urban roads.

When overtaking a horse, motorists should:

• Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
• Be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine
• Pass the horse wide and slow – at least two metres
• Drive slowly away

Extra attention should be paid in both the early morning and darker evenings as visibility is significantly reduced. More advice for motorists can be found here.

Being aware of pedestrians crossing roads and walking along roads – particularly in the countryside – is something else motorists should be alert to and allow time and space for.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: “Horse riders and pedestrians have the same right to use the roads as motorists. Understanding and respecting how they may choose to use the road is integral for wider road safety.

“Giving them the consideration they are entitled to will help to reduce those that are seriously injured or killed on Suffolk’s roads.

Alongside this campaign, we’re asking ‘Is your vision roadworthy?’ Suffolk Police would like to highlight the importance of good eyesight when driving.

90% of the information a driver uses is visual, so we use roadside screenings to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of good eyesight. Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves and other road users at risk.

The voluntary roadside vision screening asks drivers to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres. All tests are conducted in good daylight conditions, using a registration plate affixed to a vehicle at the correct measured distance (20m), with the driver wearing any eyesight correction (eg: spectacles) worn at the time of driving.

Under legislation known as Cassie’s Law, drivers who fail a roadside number plate test could have their licence revoked on the spot if a police officer deems them to be unsafe to be on the road. Other penalties for not meeting the legal eyesight standards include a possible fine or penalty points on your licence.

16-year-old Cassie McCord, from Colchester, was killed on her way to school by an 87-year-old driver, just three days after he had failed an eyesight test and refused to surrender his licence. This piece of legislation allows officers to remove the threat from the roads immediately.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland added: “As a responsible driver, it is key you monitor your eye health to ensure there is no impact on your ability to safely drive, both in daylight and darkness, seeking the advice of an optician if you notice any change/deterioration in your sight.”

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or driver - on four wheels or four legs - we all need to be aware of the dangers that exist as the evenings get darker earlier.

“Now that the clocks have gone back, I would urge everyone to take a little more care, and for drivers to make sure both you and your vehicle are fit for winter conditions. If we all make a bit more effort we can continue to make our county’s roads safer for everyone.”