Be Safe, Be Seen: North Wales Police launch ‘Operation Dark Night’ safety campaign
With darker mornings and evenings fast approaching, North Wales Police have launched their annual Operation Dark Night campaign to encourage all road users to stay visible and alert as the clocks go back later this month.
The force is urging drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists to take extra care on the roads as reduced daylight and worsening weather conditions increase the risk of collisions.
Sergeant Danielle Ashley, from North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit, said: “As the clocks go back and daylight hours shorten, visibility becomes a critical safety issue for everyone using our roads. Longer periods of darkness in the mornings and evenings, combined with unpredictable autumn and winter weather, significantly increase the risk of road traffic collisions.
“We’re urging drivers to take extra care, slow down in poor conditions, allow more time for journeys, and be mindful of vulnerable road users. It’s also vital to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready: check your tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers, and top up washer fluid to maintain clear visibility.”
She added that cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians all have a role to play in staying safe: “Cyclists and motorcyclists must wear high-visibility, reflective clothing and ensure their bikes are fitted with working lights. Parents should make sure children walking to and from school are easily seen by drivers. Fluorescent and reflective gear can make all the difference.”
In the coming weeks, officers will be carrying out roadside checks to make sure vehicles are roadworthy for winter.
The campaign highlights that all road users can help reduce risks by taking simple precautions:
Drivers
- Make sure all lights are clean, working and adjusted properly
- Ensure the windscreen is clean inside and out
- Use headlights whenever visibility is reduced – for example, at early mornings and at dusk, when it’s raining or in any gloomy conditions. It’ll help others to see you
- Don’t dazzle others with your main beam
- Reduce your speed. You should be able to stop within the distance you can see
- Check the condition of wipers and washers
- Have your brakes and tyres looked at – on wet roads it’s even more vital that brakes are working efficiently and tyre treads are legal
- If your vehicle breaks down, pull off the road as far as possible and switch on the hazard warning lights
- Consider fitting winter tyres during cold weather
- Take extra care to look out for cyclists as they turn at junctions
Cyclists
- Bicycles should be equipped with good lights. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back
- You should put the lights where they can be easily seen, not hidden behind saddles or framework
- It is a good idea to carry spare batteries and bulbs with you in case they run out when cycling along
- If you see other vehicles using their lights, use yours.
- Take extra care to be seen – bright or fluorescent clothing shows up best in the daytime and reflective clothing is best at night.
- Watch out for car drivers. Remember, there are fewer cyclists on the roads in winter, so drivers may be less aware
- Traffic isn’t the only hazard at night. Watch out for uneven surfaces and potholes, animals, pedestrians in dark clothing and other cyclists without lights. Look for them carefully and give them a wide berth when you see them
- Make sure your reflectors are clean at all times
- You can also make your bike more visible by adding spoke reflectors
Pedestrians
- Make sure you can be easily seen at all times, but especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather
- Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, especially in dull or misty weather
- By night, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights – fluorescent clothing doesn’t work after dark
- Reflective tape can be put on clothing, school bags and equipment
- Cross the road at the safest place possible for example, zebra, pelican, puffin and patrolled crossings
- Use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen, Live
- If you are out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross at well-lit places
Motorcyclists
- Wear high-visibility and reflective gear, especially helmets and jackets
- Ensure your motorcycle has working front and rear lights
- Use dipped headlights at all times to increase visibility
- Avoid dark clothing that blends into the road environment
- Ride carefully anticipate that other drivers may not see you
- Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and brake function regularly
- Be extra cautious at junctions and roundabouts, these are common collision points
Horse Riders
- Wear reflective clothing and accessories; tabards, leg bands, and helmet covers
- Ride in single file on roads and keep to the left
- Use appropriate lighting when riding near roads in low-light conditions
- Avoid riding during peak traffic hours or in poor visibility when possible
- Signal clearly to drivers when turning or crossing
- Always remain calm and alert; horses can spook easily in noisy or dark environments
- Consider using bridle-mounted lights or reflective reins for added visibility
Officers will be sharing road safety tips across social media in the coming weeks. Follow the conversation and stay informed using #BeSafeBeSeen
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