Month: April 2019

Not everything gold shines – reflections

As promised in the previous article, once a month we will post information about reflections for motorcyclists. For what? Increase your visibility and thus improve your safety. The time has come for news from the world of flares. The first question should be “how do flares work”?

 

Retro reflection is the principle on which glare works. It consists in the fact that the light (like car headlight) bounces off the reflective material and returns to its source. Reflective materials have such a structure that the light is reflected in a direction close to that from which it falls (not only when it falls perpendicularly). This structure is created by special elements placed on the material – glass microspheres or small acrylic prisms.

 

When describing these technical details, we had a specific goal. Since we already know how the reflectors work, the next question should be, do all the reflections “shine”? Unfortunately not. Only certified glare “shine”. There are two ways that will allow you to check whether your motorcycle reflections work:

 

Take a picture with your phone turned on with your reflections off at a distance of about 6m. If you see a characteristic flash in the picture, it means that your reflections are OK. After a few washes of your motorcycle clothing with reflective elements, do this again. If the picture has the same effect, it means that your reflections are of good quality. Unfortunately, it often happens that unproven reflections lose their qualities after several washes (fluorescent material and reflective tape lose their properties).

 

The second way is to remember this abbreviation – EN 471. If the reflections are certified, the label should indicate that the product made of materials that meet the EN 471 standard or the product meets the EN 471 standard.

How were the different reflections taken?

 

The creators of the Hen Visocznia campaign intentionally took pictures with a mobile phone with a flash so that everyone could do the test themselves. The warehouse where the photos were taken – the light is minimally entered through the windows above the model.

 

We have two types of photos:

 

The light coming through the window + fluorescent light;

Turned off fluorescent (imitation of semi-darkness).

The pictures show how different reflections are available on the market. It’s great that you want to ride in reflections. However, our article is to educate, what to look for when buying accessories with reflective elements.

 

What is the EN 471 standard?

 

High visibility warning clothing for professional (professional) use. The standard specifies the requirements for clothing visually signaling the presence of the user, to be seen and seen in hazardous conditions with daylight, and headlight. Specifies the visibility class of reflective, fluorescent material and the class of reflective material depending on its reflectivity factor.

 

This article contains some technical information about flares. Maybe a bit boring, but very important and worth remembering. Why are we writing about it? Because we met several times with the actions of many companies that wanted to promote their brand, handed out various reflections, most often reflective vests. The objectives of the campaign were lofty, but unfortunately, these vests were often not certified, they simply did not shine in artificial light (in the headlights of automobiles). So someone in Poland has overcome and put on such a reflective vest to increase his visibility. Moves after dark in an unlit place, with the awareness “I am visible.” And here is a surprise – reflections do not “shine” and we have a tragedy.

 

If you already wear reflections, pay attention to whether our reflective motorcycle vest, belts or suspenders are certified and shine.

They received reflections from policemen

The districts from the Police Station in Barczewa gave out reflections to the residents of the commune. They reminded the importance of the visibility of unprotected road users.

 

Autumn and winter months are the periods when the largest number of accidents involving pedestrians occur. This is mainly due to bad weather conditions and faster darkness. Prevention of such dangerous events is very important, that is why the district from the Police Station in Barczewo distributed reflective elements in the commune and encouraged them to always be an element of walking clothing.

 

The policemen met with the inhabitants, and they passed reflective stripes on the hand and backpacks.

 

Let us remind you that the figure of a man walking along a road, dressed in dark clothing, is noticeable by the manager with only 20-30 meters. The vehicle traveling at a speed of about 90 km/h only within a second passes a distance of 25 meters. The driver has no chance to break or change the track if the pedestrian does not have reflective clothing.

 

Such actions, such as those conducted in Barczewo, are to make the inhabitants aware that a small reflective material on the leg or hands can save their lives.

A reflector that saves lives

It is impossible to tell how many people wearing a reflective vest saved their lives. Most often, millions of wise pedestrians are mentioned, who from the accident saved the reflecting “guardian angel”. Why are the reflections so important? As explained by PZU experts, with poor visibility, no reflective materials, the pedestrian is visible on the road in the car’s passing lights from a distance of only 20-30 meters. At a speed of 90 km / h, the driver overcomes 25 meters per second and may not be able to react when he sees a pedestrian. However, if the pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element that reflects the lights of the car, the driver will notice it already from a distance of 130-150 meters, which is much faster. It can save a living life. “If we are visible on the road, we become much more secure. Just pin the reflection to the school backpack or put on your hand. Such a small thing – a reflection, in certain situations may prove invaluable and protect a child from an accident,” explains Dorota Macieja, a member of the PZU Życie Management Board.

 

For years, various institutions have been trying to convince pedestrians to wear reflective elements.

 

On January 25th, the “Reflex Day” is celebrated. Its originators are Norwegians, and since 2017 it is celebrated in Poland. The primary objective of the campaign is to promote the use of reflective elements with reflective tapes, especially by pedestrians. The PZU is also encouraged to wear the reflections of the youngest road users. As part of the “Reflective – safe child on the road” campaign, by the middle of September, she will provide 1.6 million reflections with a flashing light built-in to all primary school students from grades I-III in Poland. The campaign was under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of National Education.

The police appeal to motorcyclists

The days are getting warmer – the spring is fast approaching, and thus the fans of the two wheels are already planning closer or further routes on their two-wheelers. The police are appealing to remember the safety of themselves and others.

 

Spring is a long-awaited period for lovers of two-wheelers because, with the spring aura, the motorcycle season begins. It should be remembered that many factors influence the safety of the rider. Damage to the asphalt, to the sand on the road and increased traffic, is a potential threat for lovers of two-wheelers. Just a moment of inattention, a sharp maneuver to lose control of the vehicle. The most common cause of accidents involving motorcyclists is excessive speed, failure to use traffic lights, squeezing between cars, bravado, willingness to sign off. The driver of the motorcycle at the time of the road incident most often suffers serious injuries, and in the worst scenario bears death on the spot. A motorcyclist is an unprotected participant in the road traffic, nothing else protects him from the helmet. Therefore, it is important to remember the obligation to wear a protective helmet and to wear reflective vest when riding a motorcycle. Thanks to these pieces of equipment during a fall or loss of balance on the road, injuries can be less severe.

 

Out of concern for less visible motorcyclists, we pay attention to car drivers to look more often at the mirrors. Motorcycles due to their size often move more efficiently and more dynamically, thus becoming less visible to other participants of the movement. It often happens that drivers start the overtaking maneuver without looking into the mirror. Car drivers do not realize how seemingly a simple act is of great importance in this case because one glance in a mirror can save someone’s life or health.

 

Motorcyclist, remember that public roads are not race tracks !:

 

Obey traffic rules,

 

Do not exceed speed,

 

Do not enforce priority,

 

Show limited confidence in other drivers,

 

Take care of reflective clothing that will make you more visible on the road,

 

Always clearly indicate maneuvering,

 

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can cause death or loss of driving license!

 

A protective helmet, protectors, appropriate shoes and gloves – increase your safety,

 

Safe driving on a motorcycle means that the driver always controls the vehicle – never the other way round,

 

Do not show off risky driving in front of your friends – it can cost you or someone else’s life or health!

 

We appeal to all managers who are cautious and comply with traffic regulations.

 

Every participant of the road traffic must keep in mind the safety of both himself and others.

Reflexes for seniors on the occasion of Grandma’s Day

On the occasion of Grandma’s Day, policemen and city guards in Szczecin distributed the reflective wristbands which made of reflective materials to the seniors. The officers emphasize that this is an opportunity to make older people aware of how to safely navigate around the city.

 

“This grandmother’s Day and tomorrow’s Grandfather’s Day was an excuse to meet the seniors once again, remind them of caution on the road, to always look around before we enter the road,” said Karolina from the Municipal Police Headquarters in Szczecin.

 

“We also provide reflective elements to light our seniors a bit, but of course, we remind you that this reflective tape is only an addition, our caution is the most important when moving on the way,” added the officer.

 

Residents of the city were positive about the action. Many of them admitted that thanks to reflections, it feels safer on the road.

A fatal accident for Pulaski. Audi a3 hit a man

The policemen together with the prosecutor, explain the causes and circumstances of the tragic accident that occurred on Pułaskiego Street. From the preliminary findings of the police from the traffic department, it appears that the driver of the A3 Audi struck a man passing through the pedestrian crossing. The pedestrian died on the spot.

 

“The event happened today at around 6.00 on Pułaskiego Street in Częstochowa. From the preliminary findings of the police from the traffic department, it appears that the A3 driver driving towards the Monte Cassino Heroes alley hit a man passing by at the height of the PKP Stradom station by a pedestrian crossing. The pedestrian died on the spot. The 38-year-old driver was sober,” says Marta Landowska, spokeswoman of the Municipal Police Headquarters.

 

Czestochowa police appeal to road users to wear reflective vests.

 

“Using reflective materials especially in autumn and winter, when it’s dark early and visibility is definitely worse, it can save our lives. Therefore, wearing reflectivevetss by pedestrians should become a habit. According to the Road Traffic Law, pedestrians who move along the road after dark outside the built-up area are obliged to use reflective elements in a visible way for other road users,” says Marta Landowska.

 

“Correctly worn reflective elements should be placed in such a place that they are in the field of car lights and visible to drivers coming in from both directions (back and front). If you attach a reflective tape to the backpack (on the back of the silhouette) it is obvious that it will not be noticed by drivers coming from the opposite direction and vice versa when the reflection will be only in front, the driver behind us will not see him. It is safe to have two reflective elements one at the front and the other at the back or use such types of reflectors that can be seen from both sides, for example, reflective bands,” adds Landowska.

The idea of an inventor: “Bio-dynamic only reflectors”

So that pedestrians and cyclists are better seen in the dark what makes an inventor so? Here is a report that fits the season. Inventing begins with the feeling: “That cannot be, that must be better!” One year ago, I heard that young person not visible enough in the dark. They prefer dark clothes. “In the dark season, road traffic is primarily about visibility,” warns the ÖAMTC. Here’s this phrase that makes me shudder when I think of people in a hurry with mobile phones and poor visibility: “Only four percent of pedestrians carry reflectors and a quarter of cyclists are out of lights.” My contribution to the solution I present here because these new reflectors can save lives. I hope that as many as possible hear, share their experiences and that more awareness arises. Sweden is a shining example to us, there you inevitably have more experience with darkness and reflectors. Looking A year ago, my search for a solution began. Everyone I talked with was aware that people in traffic were not visible enough, they had already experienced it. In a large sporting goods store, I heard, “We do not have a single reflector”. In the wholesale supermarket, I found exactly two pieces of a white, crest-shaped upholsterer with a reflective surface, smaller than a bank card, with the inscription “Sporting”. That’s when I started experimenting, first with a suspension on rubber straps. I tried to understand the aspects of technology and human behavior. I studied the technically flawless products that I found on the internet and wondered why they are little used by teenagers and adults.

 

A new way: the concept made the difference Finally I found, I could hardly believe, a really new solution. All the parts that make it up are well known, but the combination is something new: you will not find any reflective materials with this combination of properties. What is different? First, my reflectors are “reflectors only”, the entire surface is reflective gray. The dull gray or black elements are therefore maximally effective and unobtrusive at the same time. They leave the look of the clothes unchanged. If the focused light of a spotlight falls on them, they throw it back, but only in the direction of the light source. A chattering group of people, for example, will not be disturbed. Second, these reflectors are so small and light that they can always be there. The third point is for me (pardon!) “The hammer”: the movement, generated by the bio-dynamics of walking or cycling, is sent along with the light signal. Now we have a light signal modulated with a message. We have this message so deep within us that it – Respect, the man on the move! In our attention scale always (!) Top-ranked as the most important.

 

The features of “bi-dynamic only reflectors”: small and light: the reflectors fit into all hand, coat and trouser pockets. Convenient by simple and quick donning, no contact pressure, no weight. It takes 15 seconds for the wheel reflectors. Unobtrusive: a matte, gray area the size of one or two check cards. The elegance or coolness of the outfit remains. (Only the “cell phone case” is made of slightly more fabric.) It is available in yellow or dark blue and has a larger reflective surface, as shown below.) The entire surface reflects. The reflected light, however, only sees those who look exactly out of the direction from which a spotlight “beams” onto the reflector: for them, the dull gray surface becomes a mirror that sends back the bright light. The reflectors are placed at the maximum moving points, at the wrist or ankle. From here they send their bio-dynamically modulated message “Here a human being moved!” forward, sideways and backward.

Public dangers on the road

The incident occurred Thursday night, climbing the bridge at Albina. The two people bought the animals from Timişoara Dragşina locality and left with them, on foot, to Timişoara, in the South Railway Station area.

 

They were walking down the road without any reflective material. When climbing the bridge, people and animals were not seen in time due to darkness by the driver of a Dacia Logan car.

 

The man could not avoid them and hit the two and the horses. After the impact, one of the animals was picked up with the broken leg, and the two owners were injured, but they refused to transport to the hospital.

 

Immediately after the accident, the two took the animals and continued their journey to Timisoara. But they went on the edge of the road to the South Railway Station.

 

Meanwhile, even at the moment when the intervention forces were on the scene of the first incident, a few kilometers away, another accident occurred in Otveşti. There, a truck hit an unsigned carriage, and the horse that dragged him lost his life.

Police use tear gas against yellow vests

In several places in France, there have been confrontations between the “gilets Jaunes” (yellow vests) and the police. Along the Seine in Paris, officers who were pelted with projectiles fired tear gas to keep demonstrators at bay.

 

That happened on a pedestrian bridge, among other things, as can be seen on images, but also at the parliament building and the d’Orsay museum. Barricades were erected and lit in a number of places. A boat restaurant also suffered. A policeman was injured on the Seine quay because a bicycle was thrown at him from above.

 

It was the eighth time that the yellow-jacketed movement proclaimed Saturday as a national protest day. Apart from the French capital, people took to the streets in, among others, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Lyon reports the newspaper Le Parisien, which also led to some disturbances.

 

The authorities estimate the turnout in all of France at 25,000, in Paris there were around 3500. The enthusiasm to demonstrate seems to be waning. At the first protest on November 17, nearly 300,000 people put themselves in yellow reflective vests.

 

Prior to the protest, the movement wrote in an open letter to President Macron that the “vests” are willing to “go much further.” Earlier this week, the figurehead of the French protest movement, Eric Drouet, was detained for a short time because of a demonstration was not allowed for.

IDEAL IN SUMMER AND WINTER: WHITE ROADS

There are already a number of reflective roads in Noord-Holland, one to be added this week. They are also trying it out in Amsterdam and Hoofddorp, and since this spring you also see them in, yes, Los Angeles. Their workers who wear reflective vests painted a special coating over the roads, making them white. It saved no less than ten degrees. Dark colors absorb light, which makes it warmer. White, on the other hand, deflect the heat. You also notice that when wearing a white or black t-shirt in the summer.

 

Heat in the city

Piet Zijlstra is an engineer and designs highways. He is responsible for the white roads in the Netherlands. Our summers are getting warmer because of climate change. Especially in cities, the temperatures can rise considerably because the heat is difficult to dissipate due to the buildings. An annoying side effect is that even more hazardous substances are emitted by cars.

 

Safe cycling

But the new roads have even more advantages. It is also much safer in the winter. Just consider: if you cycle in the dark, you are much more visible on a white road than on gray asphalt. This means that street lighting does not have to be as bright, and that also saves energy.

 

Less spectacular

The reflective roads in the Netherlands, at first sight, look less spectacular than in Los Angeles. That is because Zijlstra would rather not use the coating. According to him, it wears out much faster. He mixes the asphalt with very fine gravel, which is called crushed stone. When quite a few cars drive over it, it wears out and the white slowly appears.