Transport for LondonDon't be in the dark about road safety
The warning comes as TfL launches the latest phase of its road safety campaign to reduce the number of teenagers killed or seriously injured on London's roads.
Now that British Summer Time has ended and the clocks have moved back an hour, the sun rises earlier to ensure we wake up in the light. However, the change also brings forward sunset which may see teenagers making their way home from after-school activities in the dark.
Road collisions involving teenagers typically occur on weekdays at peak travelling times when they are going to and from school, between 7am and 9am, and 3pm and 7pm.
Between 2006 and 2008, 25 per cent of all collisions involving teenagers took place between October and December.
To remind teenagers of the need to stay visible when on or near roads, TfL has produced a reflective wristband with the slogan 'THINK! Don't let your friendship die on the road'.
The bands will be given out at concerts and London youth centres, bringing road safety to the forefront of young people's minds.
Chris Lines, head of the TfL London Road Safety Unit, said: 'The changing of the clocks is a critical time for everyone, particularly teenagers, to take more care on the roads.
'Statistically the risks of road crashes are higher at this time of year as you're less visible.
'This is a call to action for teenagers to make sure they stay visible during the darker months.
'Every day a teenager is killed or seriously injured on London roads. While this number is steadily falling, even one injury is one too many.
'Our relentless campaigning on the road safety issues aims to make teenagers more aware and ultimately save lives.'
