Travel safe on the roads and streets at dusk and twilight

The colder weather and earlier evenings mean many of us are travelling in darker conditions, making roads and pavements harder to navigate, and increasing the risk of accidents.

Reduced visibility at dusk and twilight means extra care is needed, particularly if you are travelling alone. Following a few key steps can help keep yourself and others safe.

Personal safety awareness

Stay alert to who is around you, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid distractions like headphones or youfeel right, change direction or move to a busier, well-lit place.

Wherever possible, stick to pavements, well-lit paths and marked crossings. Avoid stepping out between parked cars or using poorly lit alleyways. Always wait until traffic has fully stopped before crossing.

If there’s no pavement, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic. This makes you easier to see. Keep children close and encourage them to use safe crossings.

Around your scheme, take extra care in car parks and shared paths, and report any broken lighting so we can arrange repairs quickly

Common risks

Reduced light at night makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, and pedestrians may struggle to spot potholes, uneven pavements, or vehicles approaching.

Cold, wet, or icy conditions at this time of year can also make roads and pavements slippery and more difficult to navigate.

Fatigue is more common in the early evening and can affect both drivers and cyclists by reducing reaction times.

Glare from headlights or poorly lit streetlights can also make it harder to see clearly and make collisions more likely.

Make yourself visible

Wearing light or reflective clothing helps you stand out. Reflective armbands, bags, or shoe clips are inexpensive and effective. For children, clip-on lights or reflective jackets can improve visibility.

If you cycle, it’s the law to have front and rear lights and a red rear reflector when it’s dark. Make sure these are clean and working properly.

Drivers should switch on headlights before it is fully dark and keep windows, mirrors and lights clean to improve visibility.

Keeping wipers, tyres, and lights in good condition also helps ensure your vehicle is visible and safe.

Stay alert on journeys

Don’t assume drivers or cyclists can see you. Make eye contact with them before crossing the road and avoid distractions like loud headphones or looking at your phone while near traffic.

Drivers should slow down as light fades, leave extra space between vehicles, and dip headlights when passing others. Extra caution is needed in residential areas where people, children, or pets might step into the road unexpectedly.

You can find further advice on safe travel at dusk and in poor light in the Highway Code.

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