BrakeBright Press Release Template for you to download, amend, and issue to local journalists

PRESS RELEASE: for immediate release
* XXXX [date of your BrakeBright Day]
From: [name of your institution] and Brake, the road safety charity
Tel: xxx               
Fax: xx
E-mail: xxx

XXXX [the name of your school / company / organisation] is running a Bright Day for Brake, shining a light on the need to watch out for kids in the dark

On XXX [day, date, year], XXX [your institution’s name] is running a BrakeBright day and helping Brake, the national road safety charity to raise awareness about protecting vulnerable road users during the dark evenings in autumn and winter. A shocking 190 pedestrians and cyclists are killed or injured every day on UK roads. Deaths and injuries on the road rise dramatically among these vulnerable road users in the winter months, when they are less visible to drivers.

Brake, and its partner B-Scene, manufacturers of reflective clothing for children, is calling for schools, colleges and companies nationwide to run a Bright Day for Brake, a dress down day with a difference that raises funds for road safety. On this special day, everyone wears crazily bright clothes, and donates a pound to help Brake continue our work with bereaved families nationwide. The day is also a great opportunity to pledge support for Brake’s campaign to stop the clocks being put back in the autumn, which makes the school run so dangerous for children on foot. In the dark, drivers are completely dependent on artificial light. Pedestrians, other road users and road signs all become more difficult to see. However, during winter, many drivers have no option but to travel home in the dark, putting themselves and particularly children on foot and bikes at risk.

 Katie Shephard, Fundraising Manager at Brake, says “A Bright Day for Brake is a great way to support Brake and educate everyone about the dangers on roads, what we can do to protect people on foot and bikes during the dark months and to raise awareness of Brake’s work supporting families bereaved in road crashes.”

XX [name of spokesperson] from XX [institution] says: “We are delighted to run a Bright day for Brake to support a worthwhile charity. We see it as a great opportunity to emphasise to everyone the heightened importance of safe driving during the dark months and watching out for children.”

Tips for the dark months:
1. Drivers SLOW DOWN. Even if it’s night, presume pedestrians and cyclists are there and you can’t see them.
2. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear something reflective, the bigger the better. A reflective visi vest and reflectors can be easily bought in shops and over the internet.

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND FILM CREWS: To come along and take pictures of our crazy outfits, contact XXXX [spokesperson name] on XXXX [telephone number].

Brake is an independent national road safety charity. Brake exists to stop the 6 deaths and 62 serious injuries that happen on UK roads every day and to care for families bereaved and seriously injured in road crashes. Brake produces educational road safety literature, runs community training programmes and runs events including Road Safety Week. Brake’s Fleet Safety Forum provides up-to-date fleet safety resources to fleet managers and runs a year-round programme of events. BrakeCare, Brake’s support division, cares for road crash victims through a helpline and other services.