GMP slammed for 'victim blaming' after suggesting cyclist hit by drink driver should've worn hi-vis jacket

Greater Manchester Police have been slammed for 'victim blaming' after they posted a video about road safety which suggested a cyclist hit by a drink driver should have worn a high visibility jacket.

The video, which was posted on the force's Twitter account and features a Family Liaison Officer within the Serious Collision Unit, references a case where a female cyclist was left with life-changing injuries after being knocked off her bike whilst cycling on the pavement.

During the clip, which has since been deleted, the officer issues a message that cyclists and motorcyclists should wear protective clothing such as a high visibility jacket and make themselves as visible as possible on the road.

READ MORE: Woman left with horrific facial injuries after being mauled by dog in street

The messaging has been heavily criticised, with scores of people on the social media site weighing in on the force for 'victim blaming' the cyclist, and for failing to acknowledge the fault of the drink driver.

One person wrote: "This is unbelievable messaging. Drunk driver hits cyclist who is on a pavement (because the roads are so unsafe and lawless), and the takeaway message you’ve gone with is wear high vis?!!"

Another said: "Somebody suffers serious injuries being hit by a driver on the PAVEMENT & your take is that vulnerable people should have hi vis? Where is your campaign to stop the danger? The danger is the driver if you are not able to work that out."

The force have since deleted the original video and issued a statement saying the film 'did not adequately describe the action that GMP takes to keep people safe.'

During the video, the liaison officer talks of how dangerous the roads can be for those 'on two wheels.' "Being a cyclist