PARENTS in Carmarthenshire are urged to make sure their children can ‘be seen this Hallowe’en.’

Carmarthenshire County Council’s road safety team has launched it annual ‘be seen’ campaign which coincided with the clocks going back an hour on Sunday, October 29.

The team are encouraging children to wear bright clothing or items such as fluorescent or reflective armbands or tabards so that they can be seen better in the darker mornings and evenings, helping them to stay safe near roads.

Cllr Edward Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for transport, waste and infrastructure services, said: “On dark nights and in bad weather all pedestrians; and children in particular, are vulnerable on the roads because they are less visible to motorists.

“We want to encourage parents to ensure that their children are made aware of the importance of wearing bright clothing this time of year.

“Anyone travelling near traffic, for example children walking to and from school in the winter, should wear or carry something reflective in poor light and bright or fluorescent during the day to make themselves as visible as possible and keep them safe.”

The team advises parents:

  • Make sure children can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.
  • Explain to children why they should always wear something bright.
  • Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, especially in dull or misty weather.
  • In the dark, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights. Remember fluorescent clothing doesn’t work after dark.
  • It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure that your child’s bike is properly equipped and working.