8 Brilliant Craft Ideas That Help Keep You Safe At Night

Pedestrians and cyclists are much more likely to get hit by a car once the sun goes down. In fact, nearly a third of all pedestrian accidents occur in the three short hour between 8pm and 11pm.

The best way to guard against the increased risk, is by using high visibility gear and reflective safety markers. The following simple craft projects can help engage kids of all ages in night time safety practice.

1. Phosphatized bicycle

Image via Instructables

Paint individual bike parts with phosphoric paint. Bike parts are hollow so after you disassemble the bike, hang each piece individually with string before you paint it.  Click for instructions.  

2. Space shoes

 Image via CreativeMeInspiredYou.com

Space shoes are simple to make and ensure whoever wears them stands out. You can use inexpensive canvas shoes and  glow in the dark fabric paint. Click here for instructions.  

3. Illuminated traffic cones

Images via Instructables

Here are two different versions of the outdoor cone lamp from Instructables: On the left is a lantern-style with an internal light source; on the right is a “Christmas tree cone” with string lights poking through. We recommend adapting these by using inexpensive flow-molded cones and battery-powered LED string lights instead of plug-ins. Place cones at the edge of your driveway of wherever there’s a tripping hazard. Instructions for Cone Lantern and Instructions for Cone Christmas Tree.

4. Neon curb/hazard markers

  This is a much simpler, though temporary, version of the illuminated marker — adapted from the glow-in the dark bowling concept.  Put sand or pebbles in empty water bottles to weigh them down, then add a glow stick and fill it up with water. The bottle’s amplified glow can be used to mark the curb’s edge, outdoor stair cases, and other risk-prone spots.

5. LED Jewelry

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Image via ThinkGeek.com

This project is a little more complex, but doable, and will give you the chance to brush up on basic electronics. Here’s one particularly fashionable example of how LED jewelry is made.

6. Homemade glow in the dark paint

Image by Ahmed Riyazi Mohamed, Flickr Creative Commons

 With a few easy steps, you can make your own glow in the dark paint. You can paint wearables, outdoor objects, or even make an eye catching traffic signs for your front yard. Click for instructions.  

7. Bottle lamp

Image via Bottle-Lamp.com

Use an old wine bottle for a more permanent glow-marker. Adapt instructions by using battery-powered LED light string instead of plug-ins. Click for instructions.

8. Glow stick signs

 

Image via Smile and Wave

This is a clever way to create an original neon sign with inexpensive glow sticks. Studies suggest that traffic signs with unusual messages work best so make up your own traffic slogan. Click for instructions.