PEDESTRIANS and cyclists are being urged to “be bright, be seen” as the darker nights raise the risks to the county’s most vulnerable road users.

The Cumbria Road Safety Partnership - an alliance of organisations and agencies working to improve road safety - wants to remind road users that winter nights bring heightened danger to those using the county’s roads.

The partnership is eager to promote the message that being on or near roads at night can be dangerous, especially along more poorly lit countryside roads.

However, there are a number of simple measures that can be taken to minimise the risks.

Edward Burrows, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Watch Manager for Prevention, said: “One of the ways young people [in particular] can be more visible to drivers is to wear bright and colourful clothing so that they are as visible as possible.

“Road traffic collisions can be devastating to attend for all the emergency services personnel.

“All the members of the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership work tirelessly to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in the county by identifying the causes and types of accidents that happen, and through the delivery of road safety education throughout the year to different age groups and levels of driver experience.

Chief Inspector Ben Swinson, of Cumbria Police, said: “It is ourselves and the other emergency services who are often the first on the scene to serious road traffic collisions and the results can be devastating.

“So often, such collisions are entirely avoidable and are often down to driver error such as driving too fast for the road conditions.

“Dark nights and poor winter weather mean this time of year can be the most dangerous. I would urge all drivers to drive with care and to ensure their vehicles are prepared for the winter.

“I’d also urge parents and schools to advise their children and pupils to be as visible as possible by wearing something bright and colourful when they’re out.”

The road safety partnership is keen to remind pedestrians and cyclists to always ensure they wear or carry something bright, both during the day and night.

Carrying a torch at all times is sensible, in case twilight or darkness falls while still out walking or cycling.