March 2021 - Reflective fabric

In the dark, pedestrians must wear reflective elements

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine obliged pedestrians to use reflective elements in the dark. The rule applies to people moving on the carriageway or shoulder.

The corresponding decision was made by the government on November 11 during a meeting. Channel 24 reports.

Reflective elements include ribbons, stickers, and vests. Previously, this provision was advisory. Reflective elements are essential in bad weather conditions – rain, fog, and snow.

How and where to attach reflectors?

You can attach this accessory in different ways: on a zipper, tie it with a rope to a belt, or pin it to a jacket with a pin. The main thing is that the reflector is free to “dangle”. It should be noted that all flickers are easily attached to clothes, strollers, backpacks, skateboards, rollers.

Why is it important

The introduction of the norm in the new edition should increase the level of safety of the road network because the presence of reflective elements on the clothes of pedestrians can reduce deaths on the roads by 6 – 8 times.

This is because a person using reflective material elements will be visible at a distance of 130 – 150 meters, while in dark clothes it is visible only at a distance of 25 – 30 meters.

Danger in the dark: authorities warn pedestrians

43 pedestrians were seriously injured and two were killed on the streets of the Grand Duchy in 2019. Most of them – and the press reports from the police and rescue services leave no doubt about this – when crossing marked pedestrian crossings.

In principle, it is obvious that in such collisions on the zebra crossing, it is not the pedestrian but the driver who is to blame and responsibility. Nevertheless, the authorities always focus on the victim, the pedestrian, in their prevention campaign at the beginning of the dark season. So this year too.

In the case of the German-language flyer, no such accusations were made. The motto here is as follows: “Every year, many vulnerable road users are injured or killed during the bad season.” Although the role of the actual cause of the accident in the campaign appears to be of secondary importance, the advice, which year after year, is directed at the weaker road users but consistently makes sense – as part of common sense, which should also prevail in traffic.

Advice to pedestrians, athletes, cyclists, and scooter drivers

Pedestrians are asked to wear light-colored clothing with reflective elements that are visible all around. Bags, briefcases, and umbrellas with reflective and luminous applications should also be used.

On country roads outside the built-up areas, pedestrians should always walk in the opposite direction and wear the mandatory safety vest, the flyer says. Pedestrians should also correctly assess the speed and distance of the approaching vehicles and ensure that drivers have seen them. Dogs should also be put on a reflective collar.

Athletes are also encouraged to wear clothing with built-in reflective elements and reflective armbands and to wear a safety vest outside of built-up areas. Cyclists or scooters should switch on the lights on their vehicles, check the condition of their brakes and install reflectors. They should also wear a helmet and clothing with reflective elements.

Drivers should watch out for mistakes made by pedestrians

In addition to all of this advice, the Ministry of Mobility, the Police, and Sécurité routière also give five recommendations to motorists. You will be asked to switch on the low beam if necessary. They should display their driving maneuvers in good time, adapt their speed to the visibility conditions, and ensure that the windows of their vehicle are clean.

Also, it is emphasized that they should expect possible misconduct by pedestrians in traffic.

Mandatory car equipment: What to bring?

Some time ago, light bulbs and fuses fell out of the mandatory equipment of cars. The composition of the first aid kit has also been simplified.

Mandatory car equipment is a common element that police officers examine during roadside checks. For many drivers, it used to be a scarecrow, but from October 1, 2018, mandatory equipment has been simplified in many ways. So what is obligatory to take with you in 2020 and what is no longer necessary?

For 2020, the mandatory equipment of the car consists of a reflective vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit. On the contrary, a set of fuses and spare bulbs is no longer mandatory. The amendment to the Decree on the Approval of Technical Competence and the Technical Conditions for the Operation of Vehicles on Roads (No. 341/2014 Coll.) This reflects the technical conveniences of 21st-century cars. After all, in the age of xenon and diode headlights, the driver does not change the bulb anyway.

In this context, it is also necessary to mention the simplified obligation to carry a spare wheel and a replacement kit. If the car is equipped with so-called running tires enabling indication of a defect and emergency approach, a spare wheel is not mandatory.

Even those drivers who, thanks to the assistance service, have a damaged tire replaced or repaired continuously throughout the Czech Republic do not have to carry the reserve with them. An alternative to the spare wheel is a tire repair kit.

However, if you do not meet either, you will still need to carry a spare wheel (tire rim), including a wheel wrench and a hand jack with sufficient capacity.

As for the first aid kit, from October 2018, it no longer has to include a three-pronged scarf, a patch with a cushion, and a plastic drape. There is also an obligation to change the first-aid kit due to the end of expiration. However, if you use one of the elements, you must of course add it.

And what is mandatory within the first aid kit? These are the following seven elements: a bandage finished with one pad, a bandage finished with two pads, a smooth spool patch, a rubber choke bandage, rubber latex gloves, scissors, and an isothermal foil, at least 200 x 140 centimeters.

When traveling abroad, it is not out of the question to see what the mandatory equipment is in that country. Yes, although the Vienna Convention of 1968 states that a vehicle should be equipped according to the country in which it is registered, its enforcement is sometimes problematic. Although local police officers should take into account during the inspection that the mandatory equipment in the Czech Republic may differ from the given state, the duplication of laws often complicates the situation. For example, when it is the duty to wear a reflective vest when getting out of a vehicle on the motorway – this is no longer covered by the Vienna Convention.

Therefore, when driving abroad, we recommend that you bring a tow rope or reflective vests for all crew members (not only for the driver), which should also be within reach, so they should be located in the cabin and not at the bottom of the boot. In Bulgaria or Poland, it is mandatory to have a fire extinguisher with you, in France an alcohol tester. In winter, pay attention to the local obligation of winter tires.

Changes to traffic rules came into force in Ukraine

In Ukraine, amendments to the traffic rules concerning drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians have come into force.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, if earlier taxi drivers and passengers while driving in the village, and driving instructors and outside, could not use seat belts, now they must be fastened.

“This rule obliges taxi drivers to provide seat belts in both the front and back seats and to remind passengers to use them. Only drivers and passengers with disabilities, if it is physiologically impossible, as well as drivers and passengers of operational and special vehicles, are allowed not to buckle up in the village,” the ministry explained.

Also, the rule on the prohibition to change the size, shape, markings, color, and location of license plates, to apply additional marks on them, or to close them comes into force. Rooms must be clean and well-lit.

Cyclists, according to the new rules, are allowed to move along the lane for route vehicles.

Pedestrians should use reflective elements at night and in poor visibility conditions.

“At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, pedestrians who move along the carriageway or shoulder must use reflective elements (reflective tape, sticker, vest, etc.) or wear clothes that have reflective elements. This is indicated in clause 4.4 of the SDA of Ukraine,” the message says.

This is how it is safe to go to school

For thousands of children in Hanover, their school days will begin this weekend. On the daily way to school, there are bus stops, zebra crossings, traffic lights – and other tricky situations. In eight videos, the HAZ gives clear tips on how first graders can cope with their way to school independently and safely.

Hanover’s first-graders celebrate their school enrollment at the weekend, and the new school day starts on Monday. To get to class and then back home safely, the students should also know the most important rules in traffic. The HAZ invites every year at the start of school to the big festival of the HAZ campaign Safe Way to School. Because of Corona, the tips are digital this year: as videos to watch together with the children.

Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover and Greta Prochworuk participated in the videos. The seven-year-old is already looking forward to her first day of school. Here are their tips:

How do I cross a zebra crossing?

Attention is required at a zebra crossing. Because the cars don’t always stop as they should. Seven-year-old Greta Prochworuk also stretches her arm forward to get attention.

How do I behave at a traffic light?

In this video, Greta shows together with Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover how to behave properly at a traffic light. Should you still look to the left and right, even if the traffic light is green? Greta explains.

How do I behave on the curb?

The first walk slowly, then really look and finally quickly cross the street: In this video, Greta behaves in an exemplary manner. There is also a tip to draw drivers’ attention to yourself.

How do I get out of a car correctly?

This video is about trips in the parents’ car. What do you have to consider? Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover emphasizes, however, that it is best not to bring children to school by car. “The best thing to do is to walk.”

How do I behave at a bus stop?

It is important to keep your distance at the bus stop – both to the curb and when waiting with other children. “No crowds,” recommends Drewitz.

Why is a safety vest so important?

The last tip of the small HAZ video series for the start of school comes from seven-year-old Vitus Meyer from Barsinghausen. “A safety vest and light-colored clothing help drivers to be seen better,” says Vitus. Especially in the dark season, children with reflective clothing are easier for drivers to recognize.

Lights and reflective vest: cyclist road safety

The National Traffic Code of our country defines a bicycle as a “non-motorized vehicle with two (2) or more wheels in line, which moves exclusively by the muscular effort of the person (s) who occupy it using pedals”.

And this vehicle is precisely the preferred means of transportation for many Colombians. Not only in the countryside but also the cities, the bicycle has been incorporated into daily mobility to go to work, to school, to university. When traveling on the street or the bike path, it is important that the bi-user knows and knows the importance of seeing and becoming visible, essential to circulate on public roads.

Make yourself visible

Cyclists must be visible on the road, for this it is necessary:

uses vests or jackets that make visible to drivers, including between 6 pm and 6 am or where climatic or environmental conditions hinder visibility.

If riding at night, they should have a white light on the front of the bike and a red light on the rear.

Characteristics of a good bicycle light

The luminous power

There are two types of lights: those that the cyclist needs to be visible, which are those that are recommended for driving on a sufficiently illuminated street. The second category is lighted with suitable power and light beam to illuminate the path of the bi-user.

The mount

The light mount for urban cycling is the one that allows you to mount and remove the lights quickly and easily. Some mounts are fixed to the bicycle cleta with screw clamps (many without tools), and the lamp is attached by quick release systems. Others hug the handlebar or seat post using silicone saddles.

The switch

A good switch is one that enc ie NDE, off and change so easily. A good switch prevents the l uz lights accident almente to being inside the backpack or where the rider while carrying does not use it, and thus prevents the battery from being wasted.

The beam of light

The beam of light mustn’t be too wide (especially in lamps over 100lm ) to avoid dazzling other people on the streets.

Side visibility

It is also important that the light can generate lateral visibility, since it is not only important to be visible to the person in front of the cyclist but also to the person who, for example, crosses at an intersection with the bi-user. The light must give you 180-degree visibility.

Road safety also depends on the cyclist

98 thousand 362 pesos is the value of the fine to the cyclist who does not wear a reflective vest or carry the lights at the times that its mandatory use is regulated. The vest or jacket must not have superimposed elements that prevent the bi-user from being visible. Road safety is not only guaranteed by those who drive motor vehicles, it is also the responsibility of those who use the bicycle for their daily mobility.

New rules for scooters: helmet and reflective vest

The new rules for the circulation of electric scooters have come into force, now increasingly widespread also on the roads of Piacenza. The main contents established decree-law are these:

MINIMUM AGE – The electric scooter can only be used from 14 years upwards, and only on urban roads where the limit of 50 km / h is foreseen. On extra-urban roads, circulation is allowed only in the presence of cycle paths.

MAXIMUM SPEED – The maximum speed allowed is 25 km / h on the carriageway and 6 km / h in pedestrian areas. Scooters without front and rear lights cannot circulate in low light hours in the evening and night and during the day in particular weather conditions. The penalties can vary from 100 to 400 euros.

HELMET AND JACKET – Underage drivers must wear a helmet and keep their arms and hands-free unless it is necessary to signal the turning maneuver. It is forbidden to carry other people, objects, or animals. From half an hour after sunset, during the whole period of darkness and the day, drivers must wear the high visibility reflective vest or suspenders. Otherwise, you risk a fine of 50 to 200 euros.

RENTAL – Finally, scooter rental and sharing services can only be activated with a municipal council resolution. The Municipality of Piacenza, in this sense, has not yet expressed itself.

These innovations were made known by the Observatory for road safety education of the Emilia-Romagna Region, also expressing some perplexities: “We stigmatize the lack of training for those who use these devices – intervenes the president Mauro Sorbie – because their management requires quick reflexes and a strong sense of balance. Furthermore, it would be appropriate to extend the obligation to carry an identity document, precisely to facilitate the task of the police in the checks on scooters”.

Use of bicycle instead of public transport

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that the use of bicycles instead of public transport reduces the possibility of contagion of the new coronavirus. In this sense, the health sector promoted the use of this medium.

According to Alexandro Saco, director of Health Promotion of the Minsa, detailed that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bicycle has become an effective alternative that avoids crowds and reduces the possibility of contagion about public transport.

Also, he maintained that it is affordable, reliable, clean, ecological, and benefits health. It also avoids a sedentary lifestyle, which is one of the risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, obesity), and contributes to improving good air quality in cities and recovering public space.

According to the Minsa, according to recent studies, it is known that 220,000 residents of Metropolitan Lima regularly use bicycles as a means of transportation, that is, 3%. Of this universe, 40% said that they would be willing to continue traveling on two wheels when the state of emergency has ended, to avoid contagions and due to the speed of the transfer, which would lead to an increase in cyclists in the city.

“The COVID-19 pandemic generated crises in various areas. Likewise, it meant an opportunity to value health and life; many people increased their active lives and found cycling a way to stay healthy and prevent the risks of COVID-19 transmission in public transport”, said Alexandro Saco, director of Health Promotion of the Minsa.

In this sense, Alexandro Saco advised to keep the bicycle in good condition (brakes, tires, lights, chain, rudder, bell); wear a protective helmet, reflective vest, cycling gloves, and a face mask; and respect the regulations and traffic signs.

Reflective vests to protect pedestrians

The safety of pedestrians is part of the work of the agents of the Traffic sector of the Civil Guard, who in recent days, within their daily tasks, have carried out a distribution of reflective vests among pedestrians.

The initiative is part of the constant work of the Civil Guard for the sake of improving road safety and reducing the number of victims on roads throughout Galicia and leads them to stop pedestrians driving without the corresponding vest and give them one.

Also, they take the opportunity to remind them of the regulations on road safety, which states that the use of this piece is mandatory for pedestrians and drivers. In the case of pedestrians, failure to reach it is a penalty of 80 euros. For drivers, the fine is higher, 200 euros, and also involves the loss of 3 points if you get out of the vehicle without it.

Traffic officers also report that if a pedestrian drives without a safety vest a driver does not detect him until he is 20 meters away, but if they take this piece of safety they can see him already at 150 meters, so it increases by 130 meters of reaction from other road users.