See better and be seen to avoid injury after daylight saving

4 April 2014

See better and be seen to avoid injury after daylight saving ends

After daylight saving ends this Sunday, more of us will be coming and going from our homes in the dark which can increase the risk of injury.

Two things you can do to reduce your risk of injury this winter are make sure you have good outdoor lighting, and wear high vis gear if youre out walking or running after dark, says ACCs Head of Insurance Products and Injury Prevention, David Simpson.

More than 6000 Kiwis get injured on paths and driveways around the home each year, and over 13,000 get injured while out jogging.

Mr Simpson says These days, theres lots of gear you can wear to help you be seen at night. Jackets, gloves and tights are all available with sewn-in reflective strips, or you can buy reflective strips and sashes to put over your running kit.

You can also get lightweight head torches, some of which are specially designed for runners.

Mr Simpson says theres a range of outdoor lighting products on the market, from relatively inexpensive solar-powered lighting to more sophisticated, mains-powered options.

A good way to start to make your paths and walkways safer is to identify where outdoor lighting could make a difference.

Grab a torch and go for a walk around your property at night, to identify where lighting could be used to the greatest effect. Think about where you may need a brighter light, or can get away with less.

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See better and be seen to avoid injury after daylight saving