Road safety campaigns launch to protect students during shorter winter days

As daylight hours decrease with the approach of winter, safety organizations in Canada and Belgium are issuing warnings and launching campaigns to protect students during their commutes.

In Brussels, the regional public service Brussels Mobility has launched its ‘Be Bright’ campaign, involving 65 schools and over 5,000 students and staff. The initiative provides visibility tools such as spoke reflectors and bicycle lights to encourage safe cycling and walking. The organization noted that pedestrian accidents during the evening rush hour more than double after the transition to winter time. An additional ‘XP Visibility’ campaign is scheduled for November to help students experiment with light and darkness.

In Canada, safety guidelines emphasize the importance of visibility for students walking to school in the dark. Recommendations include wearing reflective clothing, using flashlights, and utilizing sidewalks and crosswalks. Parents are advised to choose safe routes over short ones, while drivers are urged to slow down and remain vigilant near schools and pedestrian crossings.