As the darker nights draw in, Liverpool City Council is reminding everyone using our roads to be extra vigilant.
This year, the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, just as schools break for half-term across the city.
It marks a busy time for many families and young people, with many choosing to go Trick or Treating for Halloween the following Sunday and celebrating Bonfire Night just a few days later.
Road safety risks increase significantly at this time as the sudden shift in lighting conditions can catch road users off guard, especially in the first few days after the change.
As the evenings draw in, visibility is key and everyone has a part to play in reducing the number of people injured on our roads. People walking to school, cycling to work, or out for a jog are more vulnerable in traffic, meaning that drivers have the greatest responsibility to look out for other road users and keep them safe.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can all take extra precautions to stay safe and visible during darker mornings and evenings. The Council is sharing a number of tips for to help keep our roads safe for everyone:
Drivers
- slow down, as hazards are less visible during darker hours
- use dipped headlights in urban areas to avoid dazzling other road users
- be extra cautious near schools and crossings, particularly around peak travel times
Pedestrians
- wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day to help drivers see you
- use reflective materials at night (e.g. armbands, sashes, jackets, footwear) as these can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times further away than non-reflective materials
- reflective tape and fluorescent glow sticks can make fun additions to Halloween costumes
- walk facing traffic if there’s no pavement to help you see oncoming vehicles
- avoid distractions like phones or headphones when walking near or crossing roads
- hold children’s hands and keep them on the inside of the path, away from traffic
Cyclists
- use front and rear lights on your bike when riding in the dark or poor visibility
- wear reflective and fluorescent clothing to increase visibility
- ensure reflectors are fitted to your bike, especially on pedals and wheels
- ride predictably and signal clearly to other road users
Liverpool City Council is working closely with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Road Safety Partnership and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to actively promote a range of key safety messages. These messages will be shared at an event outside Primark on Church Street on 29th October 2026.
Running from 10am to 3pm, people can come along to the event to take part in a range of activities and learn about staying safe on the road.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “As the clocks go back and evenings get darker, we’re urging everyone to take extra care on our roads. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving, being visible is absolutely vital.
“With Halloween celebrations adding to the mix, it’s more important than ever to wear bright or reflective clothing and stay alert.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and small actions, like using bike lights or holding a child’s hand, can make a big difference. Together we can keep our streets safe for everyone.”
