Some days after the return to school of Reze, near Nantes, Julian and his friends are waiting for the bus. At first glance, nothing distinguishes the students who are preparing to ride scooters or bikes. But on 5 November, perhaps will be otherwise. All high school students using the county school transportation network will indeed wear a fluorescent yellow safety vest up and down the bus. This measure of the General Council of Loire-Atlantique is the only moment in France. Objective: improve the visibility of teenagers near the car with reflective tape, an area considered “particularly at risk.”
The reflective vest should be presented to the driver. Otherwise, sanctions “ranging from a warning to temporarily” taken. Nearly 30,000 safety vests will be distributed in the coming weeks, at the expense of the general council (60 000). The gift does not cause the enthusiasm of teenagers. “This is nonsense. It is large enough to pay attention to the cars, “Julian critical.”It’s a good idea for security, but would also impose on those who return home on foot or bike,” suggests another student. “A yellow jacket with reflective tape, it is shame, sneers a third. It will front the driver and we will remove it immediately after. “As for parents, they welcomed the initiative, but doubt its implementation.”No one can verify if they wear the vest in the street. In the car, it is not used much, “said Thierry.”The children are in danger, especially in rural areas when it is dark, insists Christiana, general secretary of the CIPF. Wearing the safety vest, it is also a matter of education. When we made it mandatory helmet on tours, there were already many skeptics. “