Winter mornings are getting darker, making visibility on the way to and from school especially important.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Active Transportation Team has shared its Let’s Get Visible campaign and resources with ICBC and extended an invitation for school communities across Vancouver Island to take part.

Whether walking, cycling, rolling, taking transit or driving, everyone has a role to play in helping people see and be seen. Nearly 42 per cent of crashes involving pedestrians in B.C. happen between October and January, when weather and visibility can be more challenging, according to ICBC.

Here are five simple things to help stay safe on these darker days:

• Be informed: Know and follow the rules of the road and trails and pay attention to signs and signals.
• Be alert: Watch for other people using roads and trails. Drivers should slow down, focus on the road and watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists and others, particularly around schools and crossings.
• Be visible: When walking, cycling or rolling, choose light, bright or reflective clothing and gear. Reflectors and visibility lights can also make you easier to see.
• Be predictable: Use sidewalks and paths where available. At crossings, communicate your intentions and make eye contact when possible. Drivers should use their headlights, reduce their speed when visibility is poor and be prepared to stop.
• Be courteous: Share roads, sidewalks and trails safely and respectfully.

Bright is Better

Let’s have some fun with visibility, too! Bright or light-coloured jackets, neon colours, reflective materials, visibility lights and even something sparkly can make it easier for others to spot you on a dark morning.

Families can also help students choose well-lit routes and make sure bikes and scooters have working lights, even during the day.

Slow Down

Dark mornings, rain and winter weather can make it harder to see students walking, cycling or rolling to school.

Drivers can help by slowing down and giving themselves more time to see and respond to people on or near the road. Pay extra attention around schools, crosswalks, intersections and bus stops, and be prepared for students to be travelling in low-light conditions.

A few simple reminders:

• Turn on your headlights, even during the day when visibility is poor.
• Slow down near schools and crossings.
• Watch carefully for people walking, cycling or rolling.
• Take extra care when turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways.
• Give yourself enough time and space to stop safely.

When visibility goes down, speed should too.

A few simple choices can make a big difference. Let’s help keep everyone safe, seen and visible on their way to and from school.