November 29, 2018: Cst Neilly’s Neighbourhood;
Light up the night for safety.
By Cst. Dawn Neilly, OPS.
It looks like we’re well and truly into the dark season, otherwise known as winter. The long, dark winter nights are wonderful for showing off your Christmas lights but they’re also a great opportunity for would-be thieves to go about their activities without being noticed. Shining a light into the dark is a good way to thwart someone planning to break into your car or home. If you haven’t done so already, consider installing lights over your front and back doors and make sure they get turned on. If you prefer, make them motion-sensitive lights. If you have a garage and a vehicle, put the vehicle when it’s not in use in the garage and lock the garage door. A light over the garage door can’t hurt either.
In addition to the security of your property, once the dark days arrive, you need to think carefully about your personal safety, especially as a pedestrian or cyclist and especially during early morning and late afternoon rush hours.
By law, bicycles need to have a white light in front and a red light in back, and white reflective tape on the front forks and red on the back forks. But don’t stop there. You are at least as important as your bike, so get some reflective clothing and tape on yourself. You can’t be too visible.
Pedestrians, don’t hesitate to emulate your cycling neighbours. Lights and reflective gear for yourself and the dog you might be walking could be a lifesaver. Make it a light, bright, safe winter.
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