Be Bright Be Seen: campaign shines a light on road safety

Two school children cross the road at a zebra crossing. One of them is holding a bright, reflective backpack.

As autumn settles in with shorter days, cooler temperatures and falling leaves, KCC is launching its annual ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ campaign to help keep children safe and visible on the roads.

In partnership with KMFM, the campaign is distributing 25,000 reflective tags to school pupils across the county. These tags are designed to be attached to dark school uniforms, coats, and bags, making children more visible during their journeys to and from school.

High-visibility clothing, like the reflective tags, play a vital role in road safety as they can be seen by drivers using headlights from up to three times the distance compared to non-reflective materials.

An image of someone wearing a hi-viz and bright gloves.

High-visibility clothing, like the reflective tags, play a vital role in road safety.

With darker mornings and evenings affecting all road users, the campaign is part of a wider effort to encourage everyone to make simple but effective changes to help people be seen and stay safe.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders are encouraged to wear reflective gear in the dark and bright, fluorescent clothing during dull daylight hours. Motorists are reminded to check their lights and keep lenses clean to ensure they can see and be seen clearly.

Peter Osborne smiles towards the camera and is standing in front of green leaves

Being seen can be the difference between a safe journey and a serious incident. I encourage everyone to be bright and be seen.

Peter Osborne Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This campaign is a brilliant example of how small, practical steps can make a big difference. By helping people understand the importance of being visible, we’re building a culture of awareness and responsibility on our roads. Being seen can be the difference between a safe journey and a serious incident.

‘I encourage everyone to be bright and be seen."

Juliet Owen, Head of Commercial at KM Media Group and kmfm stated: "We are delighted to collaborate with KCC once again this year on the "Be Bright Be Seen" campaign. We are proud to support this initiative, which is dedicated to enhancing child safety on our roads throughout the winter months.'

Underpinning this message across all road users is essential to encouraging safer behaviours and contributing to KCC’s Vision Zero strategy - a strategy aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads

Find out more: kmfm's Be Bright Be Seen Kent - kmfm