Wirral pupils join forces to spread winter road safety message (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral pupils join forces to spread winter road safety message

10:39am Friday 9th November 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

PUPILS from two Wirral schools have joined forces to spread the winter road safety message Be Seen – Stay Alive.

People are killed or seriously injured on the roads through a combination of dark nights and bad weather which create visibility problems for motorists.

Wirral Council’s Road Safety Team is to urging people to 'be bright, be seen' to reduce risks on the road.

This year, they have enlisted the help of local young people to illustrate the message in a bright and colourful way.

Pupils from Hilbre High Humanities College and younger children from Black Horse Hill Junior School, both in West Kirby, joined together to learn about the importance of being visible on the way to and from school.

They set up a photo and filming opportunity to spread the message to other young people across the borough.

Pupils from Black Horse Hill Junior can be seen wearing high visibility  jackets forming  an image of a light bulb - an idea thought up by the Hilbre High Humanities College students.

Cllr Harry Smith, Wirral Council cabinet member for streetscene and transport services, said young people were especially vulnerable going to and from school at this time of year.

He said: "There are a number of options for parents to help their children 'be bright, be seen' at this time of year.

"Special high-visibility tabards can be bought cheaply from many retailers, or even fluorescent armbands worn over coats or other clothing would be helpful.

"School bags in bright colours or with high-visibility strips are another alternative – and if none of these appeal, then you can buy stickers to go on bags or coats which will also help visibility.

"What is important to remember, however, is that if it is really dark then any clothing, armbands or other items must be reflective rather than just bright or fluorescent."

The completed video is available to view on the Hilbre High Humanities College website - www.hilbre.wirral.sch.uk