News
23 Oct 2025
Return of the Dark Nights
Superheroes with a difference are being called upon this winter to help keep South Yorkshire citizens safe on our roads.
As we prepare for the clock change, members of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP), are summonsing those with the most responsibility on our roads to act as guardians and protect lives during the dark nights.
A spokeswoman for SYSRP said: “The return of the darker nights leads to increasingly challenging travelling conditions, with fewer daylight hours, wet and wintery weather and reduced visibility.
“These external factors put vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders at increased risk, so we all need to play a part in keeping them safe.
"In particular, we are calling on those who can cause the greatest harm due to the size of their vehicle - drivers of cars, vans, lorries and HGVs - to acknowledge the extra responsibility.
“We are asking drivers to give themselves additional time to react as well as ensuring that they leave the minimum distance required by law when overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
“By taking extra precautions like checking speed, lights vehicles and the condition of tyres, you will drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a collision and help to protect those more at risk.”
The Hierarchy of Road Users was introduced into the Highway Code in January 2022 with the aim of improving the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
The hierarchy places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. It does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.
“Even though we are appealing to drivers to take extra care this winter, it’s important that all road users play their part in staying safe,” added the spokeswoman.
“Two-wheel riders should check that their bike is in good working order, which includes checking brakes, gears, lights and reflectors.
“Pedestrians are advised to wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing which shows up well in daylight and dusk. Reflective accessories such as high-vis jackets or sashes will stand out against car headlights at night.”
To support winter road safety, education teams from across the local authorities will be delivering Be Bright Be Seen messaging to pupils.
Be Bright Be Seen is based on the theory behind the Science of Being Seen and which colours / materials will make road users more visible in low-lighting conditions.
It also reinforces Highway Code advice around winter travel and the hierarchy of road users.
To help everyone stay safe this winter, we have put together a list of important checks.
Winter checklist:
During this period, there is also a national Eye Sight campaign encouraging people to check their vision is road worthy.
More information on winter travel can be found here.
As we prepare for the clock change, members of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP), are summonsing those with the most responsibility on our roads to act as guardians and protect lives during the dark nights.
A spokeswoman for SYSRP said: “The return of the darker nights leads to increasingly challenging travelling conditions, with fewer daylight hours, wet and wintery weather and reduced visibility.
“These external factors put vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders at increased risk, so we all need to play a part in keeping them safe.
"In particular, we are calling on those who can cause the greatest harm due to the size of their vehicle - drivers of cars, vans, lorries and HGVs - to acknowledge the extra responsibility.
“We are asking drivers to give themselves additional time to react as well as ensuring that they leave the minimum distance required by law when overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
“By taking extra precautions like checking speed, lights vehicles and the condition of tyres, you will drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a collision and help to protect those more at risk.”
The Hierarchy of Road Users was introduced into the Highway Code in January 2022 with the aim of improving the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
The hierarchy places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. It does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.
“Even though we are appealing to drivers to take extra care this winter, it’s important that all road users play their part in staying safe,” added the spokeswoman.
“Two-wheel riders should check that their bike is in good working order, which includes checking brakes, gears, lights and reflectors.
“Pedestrians are advised to wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing which shows up well in daylight and dusk. Reflective accessories such as high-vis jackets or sashes will stand out against car headlights at night.”
To support winter road safety, education teams from across the local authorities will be delivering Be Bright Be Seen messaging to pupils.
Be Bright Be Seen is based on the theory behind the Science of Being Seen and which colours / materials will make road users more visible in low-lighting conditions.
It also reinforces Highway Code advice around winter travel and the hierarchy of road users.
To help everyone stay safe this winter, we have put together a list of important checks.
Winter checklist:
- Have you checked the lights on your vehicle – are they working? Are they clean and clear to see?
- Have you checked your tyres? Are your tyres suitable for the winter weather? Have the correct pressure? Free from lumps and bulges?
- Is your vehicle up to date with its MOT and service? Do you have a breakdown kit in your vehicle?
- Are you giving the road your full attention? Is your mobile phone out of reach? Take extra time to look for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.
- Are you leaving the minimum of 1.5m when overtaking cyclists?
- When did you last have your eyes tested?
- How are you feeling? Angry? Tired? Stressed? Hungover? Should you be driving or riding? Can you use public transport? Work from home?
- How are you getting in and out of your vehicle? Pavement side? In a well-lit area with a pavement?
During this period, there is also a national Eye Sight campaign encouraging people to check their vision is road worthy.
More information on winter travel can be found here.
