vivianq, Author at Reflective fabric

Worth wearing reflective elements in darkness

“Reflecting fashion is security and comfort,” Marek Konkolewski, head of police at TVN24, argued. How to use reflective vest to function properly? A small experiment was conducted.

Fluorescent elements should be remembered especially in autumn and winter when visibility on the road is limited. All the more so because the reflections are not only necessary for safety but also aesthetic, as proved by the action of the A2 motorway in Wielkopolska, which is safe, reflecting on the glamor of the fashion world.

In order to see how glare works, the lights went out in the TVN24 studio, and the speaker and the expert part of the conversation were illuminated only by fluorescent elements.

As Marek Konkolewski recalled from the Police Headquarters, there is a provision in Polish law that says that every child under the age of 15 who moves in the dusk outside the built-up area is obliged to wear reflective elements in a visible way for others. Konkolewski emphasized that it encourages everyone to wear reflectives, but especially to care for older people, and those who do not use walkways and pedestrian crossings or are forced to use busy roads outside built-up areas.

How to use reflectors to be better visible on the road? “According to the law, when we move on the road, we have to go face to the oncoming vehicle, that is to the left of the road,” Konkolewski explained. This way the pedestrian sees the oncoming car, and the driver will be able to see the pedestrian with a reflective element, “he added. Konkolewski also explained that if only one fluorescent element is available, it is best to wear it around the neck. If we have a reflective band, we should put it on the right leg.

Drivers must be vigilant

Konkolewski emphasized how much depends on the drivers themselves. “Drivers must have properly set lights,” he explained, adding that this is particularly important in the autumn and winter. – Dirty glass headlamps can absorb almost 40 percent. Lights, “he warned. Also remember to replace burned-out light bulbs and set the lights after replacing them.

Departure by car with safety equipment to the mountains

The basis for a winter car ride in the mountains is winter tires. The equipment should also include: torch and spare batteries, reflective triangle, scraper and glass defroster. It is also important to carry ski equipment safely – preferably in a trunk mounted on the roof of the car.

When planning a winter car trip, it is important to remember that the weather conditions in the mountains are much different from those in other parts of Poland – often and suddenly the weather changes, even in the early autumn or late spring, snow and ice can occur. These precipitations are often stronger than in other parts of the country. Urban cars, especially those equipped with rear-wheel drive, may not meet such road conditions. When deciding on this trip, you should think about renting a car with a higher suspension and equipped some safety equipments, such as SUV.

– This type of car will provide us with safety and travel when the road is not properly prepared – says Kathryn from AVIS.

Due to difficult weather conditions, it is also necessary to prepare the car for driving. It is a good idea to have your car inspected at least a few days before your planned departure. This will avoid unforeseen faults while driving. When preparing your car yourself, you should first exchange tires for winter. In case of heavy snowfall, there are also chains, so it is worth to have them in the trunk.

– Reflective elements can also be used in the event of a road accident, such as a reflective vest or a triangle, says Kathryn.

Tourist reflective jacket for safety

In order to experience a real adventure, you have to get away from home. Having a tourist motorcycle, you also need to have tourist safety vest, resistant to varying weather conditions, giving a sense of security, as well as convenience.

Oxford Ankara 1.0 jacket with a double main slider with a wide tab will not allow the slightest breeze to reach the center of the cold wind. The internal lock is additionally rubberized, which ensures water tightness. A clip of 150 grams weighs only a few pounds, allowing you to increase the comfort of driving in cooler days. It is constructed so that it does not interfere with getting into the inner pocket – in which we can hold the phone, and itself has an extra pocket, sewn on the inside. The lanyard is clipped in a jacket with a slider, and the sleeves are clutched with clever snaps. Nothing prevents you from wearing a fleece or a sweater if you are uncomfortably cold. Of course, this jacket can be attached to the trousers; thanks to the slider in it.

In the summer

When the temperature in the shade exceeds 25 degrees starts to get really hot. Oxford Ankara 1.0 must cope with any weather, so the heat does not make it any more impressive. Four inlets and one outlet ensure proper air circulation while driving. These entire vent holes are protected with rubberized, waterproof sliders. These sleeves can be folded in two, thanks to the two carts of the slider. At the rear, the air outlet has a drive that allows it to be opened much wider so that more air flows through the reflective jacket.

In the rain

After all of the aforementioned ventilation openings, which are protected with rubber sliders, the inner rubber glove slider is also fitted with a waterproof jacket. Of course, what is a jacket that does not have a waterproof, breathable membrane? The permanently attached membrane is a Smart System manufactured by the Riesa industry. On the one hand, it would be nice to be able to unclip the diaphragm when we do not need it, but … in our climate it is good to be with us always. The next thing that will help you in the fight against the rain is … the rain hood, to wear … under the helmet. Yes, you read well. Thanks to that, the water droplets will not land behind the collar where the hood is hidden every day. Curious patent!

Passive and active safety

A motorcycle jacket not only protects us from weather, but also provides us with protection in the event of an accident. The jacket is made of the super 600D polyester, has triple stitches sewn with durable nylon thread, and in sensitive areas is reinforced with Nylon Dobby material, more resistant to rubbing polyester. Of course, the places affected by injury, shoulders, and elbows and back are protected by certified pads.

That’s not all; an Oxford Ankara 1.0 jacket can protect a motorcyclist from an accident. How? This is primarily used for the fluorescent vest that we can wear on our jacket. This is not a simple vest that will fly in the wind, pumping and annoying us while driving. The vest is just a name, it is really a special reflective panel attached to the jacket on the back of the zipper and the front two buckles. This panel can be hidden in a pocket that is sewn on the back. In addition, the jacket has reflective panels that are deployed practically all over the jacket. After dark, while driving in Ankara 1.0, in car headlights, you will be like a Christmas tree.

Make motorcycle stay bright at night

Car drivers often admit that there was an accident because the motorcyclist did not notice. We suggest how to improve your visibility on a motorcycle.

The Hurt report, launched by the US Department of Transportation’s Transportation Safety Administration, confirmed that when a motorcyclist wore bright yellow, orange or red clothes with reflective tape – the probability of being involved in the crash was down, as his “visibility” increased significantly. MAIDS, commissioned by the European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ACEM), with the support of the European Commission, showed an increase in the number of accidents that occurred when motorcyclists wore dark clothing.

Therefore, more and more often, garment manufacturers permanently call reflective elements and use neon colors in their products. However, if we do not have such attire we can equip: reflective belts on the torso or ankles, waistcoats or butterflies on the shoulders. Such add-ons will make us more eye-catching in the daytime, and after dark, retro reflectors will reflect the vehicle’s reflector. Very often they can be personalized with any inscription.

Helmet manufacturers are also increasingly offering not only better white-and-white helmets, but also retro-reflective graphics and neon colors.

Motorcycles and helmets can also be glued to their own. For this purpose, you need to buy a pair of strips for a wheel rim or a universal tape to fit selected motorcycle parts. The choice is good; we can dress in colors and adapt them to the color of the motorcycle.

The colorful LED lighting of the motorcycle (not permitted on public roads) is also becoming more and more popular: clothing or helmets:

To frame your visibility at night, you should take care of proper lighting in your motorcycle. Check the lights at the diagnostic station and replace the bulb with more brightness to improve visibility by up to 60% (the bulb should be homologated). An additional way to increase visibility is to install larger or additional STOP light, for example, in the trunk.

Increasingly popular is the addition of an additional light bar light on the front of the motorcycle, which does not significantly affect road lighting, but only improves visibility of motorcyclists on the road. Very often they are assembled in a manner not provided for by the legislator. It is safer to mount them as an additional fog lamp, for use on winding roads or with limited air transparency.

Of course, reflective element themselves will not protect us from the danger. Nothing will replace the rules of careful driving, safe distance and speed.

Reflective motorbike clothes – a must or a fan

Autumn is coming soon and the weather will not allow such frequent and long trips on a paddle as we would like. Riding in the dark and in the dark will become a daily necessity. It was good then to be visible and to see others. The reason for the use of reflective product does not have to explain – it was supposed to start this article, but it will not start, even if translation is necessary, especially among motorcyclists.

Start with some statistics. Although often it is mixed feelings, it is deadly in this respect – the danger of lack of visibility is enormous and if a well-rounded reflex causes its holder to be visible on the road at a distance of up to 150 m, its absence causes it to be visible only from a distance of 30 m! The research into the causes of motorcyclist accidents clearly indicates that people wearing reflective devices are 37% less likely to be hit than people who do not wear any reflective material. Already a helmet in white, light or painted with reflective paint reduces the risk of injury from 19 to 24%.

Autumn is coming soon and the weather will not allow such frequent and long trips on a paddle as we would like. Riding in the dark and in the dark will become a daily necessity. It was good then to be visible and to see others. The stories quoted below have taken place during the last season, but can be dated for each autumn or early spring evening. Road from school to home. It is already quite gray, and with the background of the unlit side I am two pedestrians and one cyclist. Their jackets glow in the dark with reflective elements. “Oh, look! At last people have thought about safety and are wearing reflective! Well, unless its motorcyclists … “Of course my statement works out a hundred percent. If someone “shines”, means – motorcyclist. In practice, a 120 m motorcyclist, visible and invisible, may be the only difference between a living and a dead motorcyclist…

There are many criteria that motorcycle clothing must fulfill – you must generally enjoy and protect well. And how is it with visibility? How much do we pay attention to the reflective elements? After all, they also raise our security. David L. Hough, a motorbike authority for multiple wheelers, has already mentioned in his book, “The Perfect Motorcyclist,” about how important it is to wear reflective by motorcyclists. They play a very important role for beginner’s motorcyclists, but now, especially in Poland, where aura does not spoil us, regardless of placement, it is worth investing in your own safety.

Although reflective clothing is on the market, it is most commonly associated with a green or orange vest – banned by a large circle of motorcyclists. Diminishing while driving made of material that does not allow air. Hated, but until recently treated as the only option improving our visibility, especially on long routes. It was difficult to refuse her raison d’être. Increasingly, however, professional motorcycle clothing is equipped with reflective elements. We do not have to think about a vest at this time, especially since the location of these reflectors is thought out so that the clothing looks aesthetically and does not scare large parts of the light reflective material while fulfilling the function of reflecting light.

Where can I buy reflectors?

According to the new regulations, any pedestrian who moves after dark in an undeveloped area will have to have a reflective item pinned to the garment in such a way that it is visible to the evacuating vehicles. Reflections and how much does it cost?! We present a list of places where you can get a glowing gadget!

“Reflectors” will be compulsory from August 31st 2014 for all people who are walking on foot in the undisturbed area after dark, and the police will not be able to stamp their seats after dark if they catch you without a reflective item on your clothes or gadget attached to your clothes. Just a small piece of clothing, such as a jacket or jacket strap, it’s a small pendant with a pendant or a wristband or an ankle, and a gadget to improve pedestrian safety.

Sports shops

Sportswear is available in sportswear and clothing, which today is almost always reflective. In addition to the sportswear you will find special wristbands that can be worn on the wrist or foot. Their prices start at 2.3 zł per item. Clothing is already a bit larger.

Stationery stores

In the paper store you will find wrist bands, which can sometimes also serve as a ruler. In addition, we will also buy stickers that can stick to a child, such as a school bag or jacket. Their prices start from a few cents. We also have key rings for keys or pins for bags. We will spend on them from 2 zł up.

Petrol stations

At the stations are mostly reflective safety vests, which drivers often use when they have to stand on the side of a busy road, waiting for roadside assistance. The price of such a vest oscillates around 10-11zł. Maybe it is not the most beautiful clothes, but when we are forced to walk in the dark, dressing up in it can save our lives!

Supermarkets and hypermarkets

In supermarkets in the DIY department we will find BHP clothing, including vests similar to those sold at petrol stations. Prices also similar – about 10 zł. In addition, in the paper department we can search for lanyards, which are also self-tapping straps, to attach to the wrist. Their price is about 5-6 zł.

Specialized reflex shops

There are already a few specialist companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of reflective gadgets. They generally have online shops that sell mail order. We will find there a real variety of reflective gadgets.

BHP clothing stores

We will find reflective vests and specialized clothing used by workers.

Roadman works with wearing reflective vest

From Wednesdays on the roads of Warmed and Maury there are very difficult conditions, there are many risk for road safety. Snowfall and heavy fall in the night made the roads and sidewalks very slippery. As a result of failure of more than 1500 reception there is no electricity.

As announced by the synoptic at night from Wednesday to Thursday, the temperature dropped to around -10 degrees in our region. Melting snow the day before and the frost at night very hindered the conditions of roads and sidewalks.

In the winter, Olsztyn’s road warriors took over at night. – During night shift, five soles, four sanders and three tractors left the streets. Of course, equipment is equipped with a plow. During the night shift, 113 tons of salt and 56 tons of salt sand were poured.

Four salts, four sanders and three tractors are working in the morning in Olsztyn. Approx. 3 roadmen in reflective vest have also begun to clear the sidewalks. Some of them are already snow-shoveled, parts are still in progress. – Problems on the roads can be reported on a regular basis, we will immediately intervene – adds Pewee.

As reported by the Provincial Crisis Management Center, all national and provincial roads are passable. On national roads there are 61 units of safety equipment. The worst conditions are in the south, where the surface is muddy. All provincial roads are covered with snow mud.

Put the reflective vest in the clipboard

Reflective waistcoat – in Poland drivers of personal cars do not have to have it, but they should. It cost only 7-10 zł, and can save a life.

In most European countries reflective vests are mandatory equipment for cars and trucks (and some motorcycles, too).

Since July 1, the obligation to have a vest has been introduced in Germany. Its absence means a mandate of 15 Euros. It is true that only car drivers registered in Germany, but in the interest of their own safety, it is worth to voluntarily respect them also in Poland. In countries where vests are mandatory, they must be worn whenever the driver and passengers have to leave the vehicle, for example due to a crash or accident, on a highway or other road – except for car parks.

Reflective vests are already in force in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (also for foreigners), Croatia, Finland (with reflective strips), France, Spain, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary in Italy.

The rules are not standardized – in one country only one waistcoat is enough in a car, others have to have all the passengers. In some countries, this also applies to motorcyclists and cyclists if they are traveling on dusk roads.

So what to do with a vest when planning a trip abroad? We advise you not to look for loopholes in regulations and apply the maximum variant – take to the car so much reflective vests how many passengers will be traveling.

The vest costs from 7 to 10 zł. You can buy it at any petrol station, in supermarkets, on the internet. Just remember to meet the standard – reflective vests are available in 3 colors: yellow, orange or red-orange. It must also have 2 reflective stripes on the front and back. When shopping for vests do not forget about children, in case of vehicle breakdown or accident they will especially be in danger. Reflective vests have to be carried around in the cabin and not – as most drivers do – in the trunk. The point is to be able to put on a vest before leaving the car.

By the way, we remind you: in the event of a crash or an accident, you should put a warning triangle in front of you; passengers should get out of the car not only on the road, but on the right side, on the shoulder. You must not go down the road or off the railing without having to be on the road.

Mandatory safety car equipment abroad

According to Polish regulations, the vehicle registered in the country must be equipped with a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher. Our law does not agree with the regulations of the vast majority of the European Union. So what should we do when we go abroad? It turns out that in some cases we do not have to buy missing items at all. Sometimes it is worthwhile though.

Although Poland is a member of the European Union, not all road regulations in force in our country are reflected in other Member States. This includes, among other things, the list of obligatory car equipment. Each country has its own list of accessories that must be on board the vehicle registered in it. How does it look in detail? Current data on mandatory vehicle equipment is published by the European Commission.

Do we, however, need to buy equipment that other countries require when traveling abroad? After all, it is hard to suspect that the Germans or Czechs who come to Poland buy fire extinguishers for this circumstance. The Vienna Convention on Traffic is exempt from the obligation to purchase equipment in other countries. The 1968 International Law Group was adopted by all EU member states. In one of the points says that when leaving the car abroad, we must have only what we are obliged to domestic law.

In practice it is not always easy to explain your reason to a policeman wear safety vest in a foreign country, and attempts to award a mandate for a lack of local lawful equipment are still occurring. What to do in this case? If we accept a mandate, the penalty will have to be paid on site or after visiting an ATM. If we do not accept the mandate, legal assistance may be required in the state. It is always a good idea to inform the Polish consulate in the country where you are staying. It is best to call there right away at check-in. This can cool the police officer.

What about car rental? It is almost certain that such a vehicle has all that is required in the country of its registration. For peace, however, you can check it by picking up the car. If we go to the country where we rented the car, the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic will again protect us from the mandate.

Regardless of European conventions, before leaving on a long journey with your own car, it is worth getting at least the elements that will provide us with safety. – We recommend equipping the car with at least elements that repeat in the legislation of most European countries – says Cesar of the Polish Motor Show. – It’s about a first aid kit and a reflective vest. It is true that according to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic we are not obliged to do so, but in practice it happens that the police abroad are trying to give such a mandate for failure to do so. It’s better to save yourself trouble. In practice, however, it should be punished with mandates for the absence of spare bulbs or fuses. Such events took place years ago in Slovakia, for example, and this was an abuse of national anachronism.

– When purchasing a first aid kit, it is worth paying attention to its equipment. – It is best to buy a set that meets the requirements of the country we go to. As for the vest or reflective vest, it is true that according to the Vienna Convention we do not have to have them in the car, but in many countries the law states that when leaving a car, for example in the event of a puncture, we must wear a vest. This convention is no longer included – our correspondent says.

Departure abroad – keep reflective vest for safety

Last year, 69% of Poles went on holiday by car. The comfort of this means of transport, but it is worth remembering that before leaving, check the technical condition of the vehicle. This depends not only on the road safety, but also on our safety.

The key issue is the technical condition of the car. Pay attention to the braking system – check the brake discs, the pads, and the fluid level. It is precisely the maintenance of the proper values of operating fluids that is essential for maintaining the vehicle in the best possible efficiency.

In addition to the brake fluid (and assistants), pay attention to the cooling liquid. Just stop in the traffic jam so our engine will overheat. The fluid should not be more than three years old, but if you notice small defects, you can save a bit of distilled water. It is important to remember that alcohol (from the previously poured liquid) represents at least half of the liquid in the cooling system. If you are already buying a liquid, do not suggest a color, but find out if our agent has inorganic (IAT) or organic (OAT) additives. These liquids cannot be mixed with each other.

Equally important is the oil level. To properly check its level you need to set your car flat, horizontal plane. After a few minutes of turning off the engine, remove the oil dipstick, wipe with a reflective cloth or tissue, and then reinsert it. When the oil is removed again, it should leave a trace on the dipstick indicating its current level. If we notice spills, you have to go to the workshop to check the situation.

You cannot forget the tires – check the damage and the tread before going on the road. According to regulations, the tread should not be shallower than 1.6 mm. However, it is assumed that the replacement of summer tires with new ones should be made when the tread depth falls below 3 mm, and also when the rubber is old enough to threaten the correct adhesion to the substrate. Equally important is the pressure. It’s best to check those two weeks before your trip and after a week check to be sure again. If within a week the pressure has changed, then the sign that you should go to vulcanize. You can also – if we have a place in the trunk – give up the tire sealing fluid for the wheel.

If you are planning a holiday abroad, you should check the applicable regulations and make up accessories above the minimum required in Poland, which is a warning triangle and fire extinguisher. First aid kit, reflective vest, spare bulbs – it’s on Polish roads additional equipment that you can carry in your car for your own and other safety and comfort.

First aid kit is required in almost every European country. Before traveling far, it is worth to verify its content. Just like having reflective vests that should match the number of passengers, or at least adults, and be in the car, not in the trunk. According to the Vienna Convention on Traffic, the police in a given country should not be punished with the driver’s license, which is equipped according to Polish law. Nevertheless, proper preparation and possession of a tow rope, lever, key, spare wheel or bulbs will avoid discussions with law enforcement officials in Slovakia, where the requirements in this respect are particularly high. We have written more about the requirements in each country.