Mandatory in each vehicle
From 1 July 2014, warning vest to be carried in passenger cars, trucks, train and truck tractors and buses and coaches mandatory. Already in many neighboring states motorists must carry a reflective vest. For commercial vehicles in Germany the appropriate regulatory bodies for years before a high visibility vest.
Federal Transport Minister Alexander:
“Better visibility improves safety. Safety vests can save lives. In addition to the first aid kit and warning triangle now includes the safety vest for prescribed equipment, of vehicles. To be recognized in time in dangerous situations, it is strongly recommended to carry the entrained safety vest. This is especially true when a breakdown or accident in the dark or in poor visibility. ”
Here are some hints to new regulation:
Why is the safety vest important?
Whether you place the warning triangle after a breakdown, change a tire or run for: there is a danger of being overlooked by other road users anytime, day or night. Who wears a safety vest, falling to – and is seen much earlier than without the gaudy garment. To detect motorists pedestrians without vest only about 80 meters away. Support a safety vest can be seen in the dim light hand already from a distance of about 150 meters.
For whom the high visibility vests compulsory?
So far was the requirement to carry a safety vest for drivers of commercial vehicles. The new regulation applies to all cars, trucks and buses registered in Germany.
How many vests I need to carry?
In Germany, although only a high visibility vest per vehicle is required. Nevertheless advises “Slow Down”, to have a vest for every passenger in the baggage – so can leave the car clearly visible in an emergency all passengers.
When should I wear a safety vest?
Important: Tighten the safety vest before getting out of the car! Where I store the safety vest? In order for the safety vest is always accessible in an emergency, stow it best under the driver’s seat, in the shelves of the door or in the glove compartment – but definitely not in the trunk. Also, do not mount the safety vest over a seat: The sun’s rays can be the signal color fade with time.
What should I consider when purchasing the vest?
The waistcoat in red, yellow or orange must conform to DIN EN 471 or EN ISO 20471: 2013 standard and comply with be provided with reflective stripes. The west audited there are, inter alia for technical testing and inspection services, in the offices of the Automobile Club, in an auto parts store and petrol stations. With prices starting around five Euros, the cost of life-saving emergency acquisition is manageable. Buyer pays attention to the quality. So are vests with additional “Suspenders Strip” more readily noticeable.