With the change of seasons and darker nights on the way, it is important to remind each other of how this affects our safety as road users.
Suffolk Constabulary is supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s campaign, ‘Operation Dark Nights’. It is running for two weeks starting today (Monday 27 October) and is designed to raise awareness of the risks faced specifically by vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. These groups are killed or seriously injured on the road more in the autumn months than at any other time of the year.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, 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. With a little bit more consideration we can continue to make our county’s roads safer for everyone.”
Incidents involving pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists often occur when a motorist has failed to slow down and allow sufficient space to go around them – which is a particular issue with urban roads.
In 2024, 58 horses died and 97 were seriously injured on UK roads. 81% of incidents recorded were as a result of motorists passing too closely or too quickly.
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
Nationally, eight pedestrians die every week and more than 100 are seriously injured (106). 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, aimed to 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 must give them room to keep them safe.
You can read more about the changes here
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, Head of the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: “Everyone has a right to travel safely on our roads, this includes horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Understanding and respecting how each type of road user operates is integral for wider road safety.
“We must work to reduce the number of people (and horses) who are killed or seriously injured on our roads and it all starts with you. Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code changes and ensure that you are doing all you can to keep yourself and others safe.”
Highway Code changes