Dazzling dance helps save children after dark
19 October 2011
Last year 374 children aged 5-16 years old were killed or
injured on the county’s roads.
In partnership, Kent County Council and Medway Council are
determined to reduce this number by joining forces to brighten up
young road users with their autumn campaign ‘B-Viz’. It’s set to
raise the awareness to 5 - 16 year olds of the benefits of making
yourself visible to drivers. B-Viz launches today at Saxon Way
Primary School, Gillingham.
The campaign will be bringing an impressive combination of
dance/urban music and road safety messages to schools all over Kent
and Medway, highlighting, in an original and compelling way to our
target audience, that by staying bright, you may stay alive.
Schools across the area will be visited by the B-viz team and
joined by local dancer Alix Godden, of AMG Freedom dance, providing
free interactive and fun assemblies. Whilst some schools may
benefit from this ‘live’ assembly, others will be encouraged to
watch the campaign’s street dance video. Both approaches will
feature a specially choreographed dance that illustrates the key
message of the campaign: ‘wearing bright and reflective materials
during the autumn and winter months improves your presence whilst
by the roadside and could save your life’.
B-Viz (Primary) New from Justin Wild on Vimeo.
Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Council
Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste said
“A combination of clocks going back, shorter daylight and dark
clothing always makes young pedestrians’ and cyclists’ visibility a
concern at this time of year. This campaign perfectly illustrates
how something as simple as making a decision on what clothing you
wear could potentially save your life. The number of casualties
involving cyclists and pedestrians within this age group remains
the highest amongst people of any age for these road user groups in
Kent. “
Councillor Phil Filmer, Medway portfolio holder for Frontline
Services said:
“By wearing a reflector at night you become visible at up to 150
metres sooner when a car headlight shines on you, giving drivers up
to 5 times more distance to notice you. Also fluorescent materials
will make you up to 15 times more visible during the day. Parents
are urges to ensure their child has something
reflective/fluorescent on their outer clothing when the leave the
home, it could save their life”
For further information please visit the B-Viz website