Gloucestershire Constabulary supports Operation Dark Night roads policing campaign

Gloucestershire Constabulary is reminding road users to take extra care and remain vigilant now that the clocks have gone back and the evenings continue to get darker.

This warning comes as yesterday (Monday 27 October) marked the start of Operation Dark Night, a national campaign to raise awareness of the risks faced by vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists during the winter months.

These groups are killed or seriously injured on the road more during this time of year and over the next two weeks our officers will be raising awareness of important advice and resources for all road users.

Incidents involving pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists often occur when a motorist has failed to slow down sufficiently and allow sufficient space to go around them.

In 2024, 58 horses died and 97 were seriously injured on the UK's roads. 81% of these incidents were as a result of motorists passing too closely or too quickly.

Nationally, eight pedestrians die every week and more than 100 are seriously injured. Being aware of pedestrians crossing roads and walking along roads – particularly in the countryside – is something motorists should be alert to and allow time and space for.

Distraction is a reoccurring factor for both drivers and pedestrians with both diverting their attention to their mobile phones when driving or crossing roads.

Significant changes were made to the Highway Code in 2022 to help better protect those most at risk. This includes leaving sufficient space when overtaking, introducing a new ‘hierarchy of road users’ and sharing spaces responsibly when walking, riding or cycling.

The latest guidance states the need for a 1.5m overtaking clearance when passing cyclists. You can read more about the changes here: The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know from 29 January 2022 - GOV.UK

A range of top safety tips for road users can be found below:

Drivers
• Make sure all lights are clean, working and adjusted properly
• Ensure the windscreen is clean inside and out
• Use headlights whenever visibility is reduced – for example, at early mornings and at dusk, when it's raining or in any gloomy conditions. It'll help others to see you
• Don't dazzle others with your full beam
• Reduce your speed if weather conditions are bad. You should be able to stop within the distance you can see
• Check the condition of wipers and washers
• Have your brakes and tyres looked at – on wet roads it’s even more vital that brakes are working efficiently and tyre treads are legal
• If your vehicle breaks down, pull off the road as far as possible and switch on the hazard warning lights
• Consider fitting winter tyres during cold weather
• Take extra care to look out for cyclists as they turn at junctions

Cyclists
• Bicycles should be equipped with good lights. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back
• You should put the lights where they can be easily seen, not hidden behind saddles or framework
• It is a good idea to carry spare batteries and bulbs with you in case lights run out whilst you are cycling
• If you see other vehicles using their lights, use yours
• Take extra care to be seen – bright or fluorescent clothing shows up best in the daytime and reflective clothing is best at night
• Watch out for car drivers. Remember, there are fewer cyclists on the roads in winter, so drivers may be less aware of your presence
• Traffic isn't the only hazard at night. Watch out for uneven surfaces and potholes, animals, pedestrians in dark clothing and other cyclists without lights. Look for them carefully and give them a wide berth when you see them
• Make sure your reflectors are clean at all times
• You can also make your bike more visible by adding spoke reflectors

Pedestrians and dog walkers
• Make sure you can be easily seen at all times, but especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather
• Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, especially in dull or misty weather
• By night, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights – fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark
• Reflective tape can be put on clothing, school bags and equipment such as dog leads or collars
• Cross the road at the safest place possible for example a zebra, pelican, puffin and patrolled crossing
• Use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen, Live
• If you are out at night, choose routes and crossings that are well-lit

Motorcyclists
• Wear high-visibility and reflective gear, especially helmets and jackets
• Ensure your motorcycle has working front and rear lights
• Use dipped headlights at all times to increase visibility
• Avoid dark clothing that blends into the road environment
• Ride carefully and anticipate that other drivers may not see you
• Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and brake function regularly
• Be extra cautious at junctions and roundabouts, these are common collision points

Horse riders
• Wear reflective clothing and accessories such as tabards, leg bands and helmet
• Ride in single file on roads and keep to the left
• Use appropriate lighting when riding in low-light conditions
• Avoid riding during peak traffic hours or in poor visibility when possible
• Signal clearly to drivers when turning or crossing
• Always remain calm and alert; horses can spook easily in noisy or dark environments
• Consider using bridle-mounted lights or reflective reins for added visibility