Hi-vis coats keep pedestrians safe

Pedestrians along the Bellaghy Road in Dunloy have started to wear high visibility jackets to keep themselves safe from motorists.

The Inspector said he would “definitely encourage this behaviour”, and advises all budding cyclists and joggers to wear “light-coloured or preferably high-visibility clothing during the hours of darkness to give them the best chance to be seen by motorists”.

He highlighted the importance of this, especially in the “winter months” and the “period just before drivers put on their headlights”.

The praise comes in light of the news that last month there were no deaths on the roads in Northern Ireland for the first time in years.

One Ballymoney office worker stated that he was impressed with the actions of the individuals wearing the high-visability jackets.

He said: “I would often travel along the Bellaghy Road into Dunloy and I noticed on several occasions this winter that people out walking along the road had the special hi-vis jackets on.

“It can be a very high speed road and as there are no footpaths it struck me that it is potentially very dangerous for pedestrians.

“As a driver the first reaction when you see a hi-vis coat in the distance is to assume it may be the police.

“And it is a great aid to drivers to be able to see pedestrians expecially in the darker winter mornings. I don’t know if they are dear to buy but they are worth every penny if they can help save a life.”