
Pedestrian Safety: How to Stay Visible and Alert
Light Up Your Night: Tips to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in Brighter Evenings
As the days grow longer and the nights brighter, pedestrians will be out in full force. With more people on the roads, it is important that you become aware of pedestrian safety tips for walking around in your neighbourhood or local area.
The latest 2025 PSNI report highlights the ongoing importance of road vigilance. Last year, 5,015 injury-related collisions occurred on our roads. While it is encouraging to see that total fatalities (56) and vulnerable road user deaths (23) remain lower than 2023 levels, the slight increase in pedestrian and cyclist incidents compared to 2024 reminds us all to stay alert as the evenings brighten.
Here are a few of the top tips for pedestrian safety coming into brighter nights.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing: When walking at night, wear bright or reflective clothing that will make you more visible to drivers.
- Use pedestrian crossings: Always use pedestrian crossings when available, stop, look, listen and wait for the green light before crossing the road.
- Look both ways: Before crossing the road, look left and right to check for oncoming traffic. Don’t assume that drivers will see you, even if you have the right of way.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices while walking, as this can distract you from your surroundings and make you more vulnerable to accidents.
- Walk on the footpath: If there is a footpath available, use it instead of walking on the road. If there is no footpath, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
- Familiar routes: Use well-lit and well-travelled routes whenever possible. Avoid shortcuts through dark or deserted areas.
- Stay visible: If you are walking in a poorly lit area, use a flashlight or wear a headlamp to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Walk in groups: Walking in groups can make you more visible to drivers and also provides added safety and security.
- Teach children about pedestrian safety: If you have children, teach them about pedestrian safety and always supervise them when they are walking near roads.
- Be aware of your surroundings: at all times and keep your head up, so you can spot potential hazards in your path.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure your own safety and the safety of others while walking at night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is pedestrian safety especially important during brighter evenings?
Brighter evenings encourage more people to walk, run, cycle, and spend time outdoors. Increased activity around roads means both pedestrians and drivers need to remain alert and aware of each other.
- How can I make myself more visible to drivers?
Wear bright, light-coloured, or reflective clothing whenever possible. In lower-light conditions, consider using reflective accessories, a torch, or a headlamp to improve your visibility.
- Should I always use a pedestrian crossing?
Yes. Wherever a designated crossing is available, it is usually the safest place to cross the road. Always follow crossing signals and make sure traffic has stopped before stepping onto the road.
- Why should I still look both ways if I have right of way?
Never assume drivers have seen you. Looking both ways before crossing helps you identify potential hazards and gives you an extra layer of protection.
- Is it dangerous to use my phone while walking near roads?
Yes. Looking at your phone, using headphones at high volume, or being distracted by electronic devices can reduce your awareness of traffic and surrounding hazards.
- Where should I walk if there is no footpath?
If there is no footpath, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic whenever it is safe to do so. This allows you to see approaching vehicles and react if necessary.
- Are reflective clothes useful even in daylight?
Yes. Reflective and high-visibility clothing can make it easier for drivers to spot pedestrians during poor weather, low sun glare, dawn, dusk, and shaded areas.









