Category: reflective vest

Cyclists should not drive without light

Whether at Eschenheimer Tor, at the plant ring or at schools: cyclists and motorists must expect controls in the next two weeks. The municipal traffic police and the Hessian state police are organizing the so-called “road safety weeks” until Friday, 3 November.

 

Cyclists traveling without lights or riding on the pavement will be stopped and fined. Motorists who drive too fast near schools are flashed and get a nod. The action started on Monday evening with a check on the Friedberg. In addition, law enforcement officials are checking cyclists at ten different locations in the city, said Rainer, who heads the Traffic Police Department of the Road Traffic Department.

 

The traffic police not only distribute traffic tickets. They also give away reflective ribbons with the logo “Let Them See You”. 7500 pieces are intended, Michaels said.

 

In addition, the traffic police at 84 points near school check the speed with mobile flashers. Cars that parked incorrectly would also be written on the occasion. Sense of traffic safety weeks is to make people aware that the traffic in the dark season can be dangerous, said the Department of Transportation. The risk of being involved in an accident at dusk and in the dark is three times as high as in daylight. In rain or snow, the accident risk is even ten times higher, it said.

 

Reflective clothing makes cyclists visible

With the “Let yourself be seen” campaign, the Traffic Bureau promotes people to make themselves more visible in traffic at night by wearing contrasting, reflective clothing or reflective ribbons.

 

The reflective vest is visible to motorists 150 meters away, white clothing at 40 meters. Black clothes, however, only 25 meters away – there is hardly time for motorists to react.

 

According to Michaels, the main cause of accidents among cyclists is when cyclists are driving in the wrong direction on the bike path; if they disobey red lights; if your bike is not “safe to drive” – so have no front and rear lights or reflective spoke reflectors. Accidents also often happened when pedestrians behaved in traffic with cyclists against traffic. In addition, it would be dangerous if stronger road users such as car drivers did not pay attention to weaker cyclists.

Let’s take care of safety on our roads

A nationwide social campaign is underway. “Let’s take care of safety on our roads – live life”, which aims to draw attention to your own security after dark.

 

In 2017, 873 pedestrians were killed in road accidents in Poland and 7,587 were injured. The autumn and winter season is a tragic period for pedestrians, 549 people died in this season in 2017.

 

One of the reasons for road accidents is the lack of wearing reflective vests in the evening and night by pedestrians. Particularly exposed are residents of villages and small towns, where street lighting is sometimes turned off at 21-22. There are no sidewalks, and the shoulders are often unsuitable for pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs who are pedestrians by law.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of the Road Traffic Law, pedestrians who move along the road after dark outside the built-up area are obliged to use reflective materials in a manner visible to other road users. An exception is provided in the regulations: a pedestrian can move around outside the built-up area without retro-reflective elements, if it is on a road intended for pedestrians only or on the sidewalk.

 

Outside the built-up area, the roads usually do not have separate pavements and are mostly not lit or are poorly lit. In addition, drivers develop much higher speeds than in the built-up area, and pedestrians in dark clothes, without reflections, unfortunately are completely invisible to drivers. Correctly worn reflectors can save lives by walking.

 

The reflective element should be placed in such a place that it will be in the field of car light and it would be noticeable for drivers approaching from both directions (back and front). The car dipped beam illuminates the path asymmetrically (more light is directed to the right side of the road), therefore it is recommended to walk the left side of the road (in the opposite direction to the vehicle traffic) wearing reflectors on the right hand or leg (from the direction of vehicle movement).

 

Here are some rules for good pedestrian visibility after dark in traffic:

 

1.Wear reflections – no gadgets!

When buying a reflector, pay attention to whether the CE mark has been affixed to it, the name of the manufacturer and the type of the product and whether the instructions for use are included. The lack of these elements means that it is a gadget – not a reflection.

 

2.Be visible – do not cover it!

Check if the reflective elements are not covered by, for example: a scarf, a bag or a backpack.

 

3.You care for health – be an example!

Do you like to run? Use reflective elements if you do not permanently wear sports clothing.

 

4.You love – take care of security!

Make sure your loved ones are visible on the road and use reflective elements.

 

5.Live – think!

Do not enter the road directly in front of a moving vehicle, including a pedestrian crossing. Wear reflective clothing.

 

Let’s be seen on the road, roadside and sidewalk.

Victory came through Mary

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland, students created a living logo commemorating this event.

 

Dressed in reflective vests, they gathered on the nearby pitch and formed the inscription, putting the symbol of Mary in the heart of the outline of our fatherland. It has been surrounded by 12 elements – in reference to the 12 stars forming the crown of Mary.

 

“The Book of Genesis and the Apocalypse was an inspiration for us. The first and last book of the Bible reminds us of the falling into slavery of sin. They also remind us of struggle, struggles, sacrifices, effort, all the victims of many people, to free themselves from this experience of enslavement. And victory, when it comes, comes through Mary, because it is she who always brings the fruit of her life – Jesus Christ.” explains Fr. Dominick Koch. He adds that this was also the case of the captivity of our homeland – when all the light of hope was extinguished. “It radiated, adding hope, strength and courage. It reminded us of the victory over all evil, which Jesus made of Mary born. Our nation regained the desired independence. He arose from captivity and fall, occupying it with many sacrifices and sacrifices. In these experiments he is always faithful to the truth expressed in principle: God, Honor, Fatherland.”  explains Fr. Dominick Koch.

He crosses a hare, makes a swerve and ends up overturning

Last Saturday, the driver of a Renault Sandero reacted instinctively and violently to a hare that crossed the road. A wrong maneuver in the steering wheel led him to lose control of the vehicle, which ended up overturning.

 

The accident took place very early, at about 6:30 in the morning on a road near the city of Victoria.

 

Hare + swerve: accident

 

The hare surprised the driver by appearing suddenly on the road. The driver tried to dodge it by making a sudden turn of the steering wheel. This maneuver, added to the speed at which it circulated, led him to lose control of the vehicle. He could not prevent the car from capsizing and remaining as can be seen in the photograph.

 

In spite of the spectacular nature of the accident, Victoria Departmental Headquarters has informed that only the material damages suffered by the vehicle have to be regretted, since the driver was unharmed.

 

This happened in Argentina, but in Spain we also suffer a high loss due to the eruption of animals on the road. The DGT facilitated in its statistical yearbook of accidents that in 2016 there were 427 accidents with victims in which animals were involved.

 

How to act if an animal crosses you while driving?

 

As recommended by the DGT, if we are surprised by an animal that suddenly breaks into the road and we cannot stop in time, we must act as follows:

 

Before a small animal (dog, cat, hare, rabbit…)

 

Try to avoid hitting, without braking sharply or swerving. What you should do is try to dodge it by gently driving the steering wheel.

If it is impossible to avoid it safely (for example, if doing so involves a way out), hold the steering wheel firmly and continue in a straight line.

If the animal that occupies the road is large (a deer, a horse, a cow…)

 

Try to dodge at low speed by turning to the right or leaving the road (eye, only if the road conditions allow it).

Do not brake suddenly and if you have made an elusive maneuver, do not suddenly return to the road, you could overturn.

Release the accelerator and hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control of the car.

As far as possible, try not to collide head-on with the animal as it could cross the windshield. Brakes firmly and continuously, but without abruptness. ABS will prevent the wheels from locking and you will be able to manage the steering.

If the collision with the animal is inevitable:

 

If you do not have time to react and the crash is inevitable, press the brake and clutch pedal all the way down and hold the steering wheel firmly. If the maneuver is not safe, do not try to avoid it.

Remember to activate the emergency PAS (Protect, Warn and Rescue) protocol if you are in a position to do so: do not leave the car without the reflective vest. The vest with two reflective tapes will help in signaling.

Take the car to the workshop although apparently there is no harm.

Religious fervor in the region with the arrival of the Marian pilgrimages

September is the month par excellence of the pilgrimages, because they coincide two of the religious celebrations that are more fervently lived by the faithful. Precisely yesterday was a big day for the latter, because it was carried out the rise of the image of the Virgin to the sanctuary, followed, as always, a marabout of walkers.

 

The heat was felt throughout the morning, something that took its toll on the forces of the pilgrims, many of whom came walking from their places of origin, so the climb was an added effort. It was not a problem, however, for Andrés. He confessed to his little trick to cope better with the high temperatures: once the big climb of the journey arrived. It was shirt! And to continue only with the reflective vest.

 

Young and not so young integrated the long language of pilgrims who at the edge of noon began their journey facing the sanctuary, where the image will remain until the end of the celebration. Religious services will continue in the coming days, with Masses from 10 to 12 and from 5 to 8 pm. Saturday, day 8, will be the central day of the pilgrimage and there will be offices at 9, 10, 11 and 12, with the solemn Mass – sung – scheduled for one in the afternoon. In the afternoon, even more Masses: 17, 18, 19 and 20 hours. On Sunday, at noon, will be carried out by the descent of the image in procession.

 

Everything ready for the Boat

 

“Walking to Barca” goes with family or friends, with the couple, with children… It is almost an obligation for a large part of the region to arrive on these dates of September, and in fact there are many clubs and associations that have already set annual appointments around these pilgrimages. Residents of A Peregrine recently completed their journey, but also from the association scheduled for yesterday for a walk with a feast and return by bus included.

 

In Media they have been preparing for their great pilgrimage for a few days and, in addition to an exhibition of old posters of the festival and a cultural week with appointments of all kinds, the religious program continues with the novena: every day at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. .

 

There is also a broad security operation coordinated by Civil Protection volunteers, who insist on the need to walk through pedestrian areas and use the relevant visible devices, like safety clothing and reflective tapes.

Road safety: wear reflections

In 2017, over 39 thousand people suffered in road accidents. What’s more, 38 percent of all the victims were “unprotected” participants in the movement, and in every fourth incident suffered by pedestrians. The most dangerous period for pedestrians was the autumn and winter season, during which 549 people were killed. As statistics of the National Police Headquarters show, in comparison with 2016, the number of accidents has decreased, however Polish roads still belong to one of the most dangerous in Europe. In this respect, we are in the fourth place from the end. In 2017, an average of 49 people per European citizen per million citizens died, while in Poland – 75. The lowest number of fatal accidents occurred in Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

 

With a view to improving road safety, especially in autumn and winter, the Odblaskowi.pl campaign is taking off for the ninth time. Objective? First of all, educate and implement positive habits among pedestrians. This year the Reflective Patrol will reach 15 cities. There are many attractions, interactive activities and educational games waiting for participants of events organized as part of the campaign. In Safe Towns the youngest will learn the rules of safe traffic on the road, learn how to safely cross the road to school, and receive reflective tapes. In total, organizers will give away 60,000 bands and 50 thousand information brochures for parents.

 

In a dimly lit place, after dark the driver notices the pedestrian only from a distance of 30 meters. After applying the reflective vests, this distance increases to 150-200 meters, and with long light switched on even up to a kilometer. Reflective elements help to improve safety, but caution and careful observation on the part of pedestrians and drivers are the key to avoiding tragedy.

 

The more independent children become, the more often they are exposed to road accidents. Some of them result from the lack of sufficient knowledge about safe behavior in road traffic. Therefore, the primary element of any child’s outer cover should be reflective. By reflecting the light, they allow you to see the youngest of conditions of inadequate visibility, which often protects you against being hit by a car – instructs young insp. Agate Krystal from the Traffic Office of the Police Headquarters.

 

How to properly wear reflective vests?

 

Students in schools that will visit the Reflective Patrol will also receive educational materials prepared by specialists in the field of road safety. They will learn from them how to wear reflective vests and where to put them.

 

Assuming reflective materials, you have to think about which side to set them on. In Poland, according to the regulations, a pedestrian who is moving on the road is obliged to walk on the left side. The vehicle comes to him from the front, so we put such a reflective element on the right hand, on the right leg, to make it more visible from the side of the road. Let’s try to make children of schoolbags or clothing have a reflective element on the right, says Powel from the Traffic Department of the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Headquarters.

 

Since the car’s low beam is lowered low and illuminates the road, the reflector should be placed as low as possible. If the pedestrian has a reflector-pendant, you can hang it on the neck, but such a high placement makes it will be less effective than the element placed a meter lower, for example at the ankle. Every half a meter down increases visibility by several dozen meters. This difference can determine the life of a pedestrian.

4 ways to safely return from holidays

The end of August is traditionally a period of mass returns from holidays, as well as an opportunity to talk about safety on the roads. The more so – as evidenced by police statistics – it is summer, not winter months that are full of traffic accidents. How to take care of a safe and stress free way home?

 

Data from the National Police Headquarters show that last year there were 32 760 road accidents on Polish roads, in which 2,831 people were killed and 39,466 injured. It would seem that the most sensitive period should be winter, meanwhile the statistics prove something else. It turns out that the months most abounding in accidents were June (3258 accidents), July (3244) and August (3226). For comparison, in November we had 2846 events, and in January – 1801. Up to 19 205 accidents occurred under good weather conditions, and 17,947 occurred on a straight stretch of road.

 

Here are a few steps to safely returning home.

 

  1. Take care of a working car

An unskilled car can cause accidents but also unpleasant events. It is better to reach the place safely than to stand on the side of the road and wait for help, therefore it is worth checking the car, check the level of brake and cooling fluids and engine oil before the trip, check the brake system, shock absorbers and suspension. Let’s also remember about efficient air conditioning (which will allow us to survive the heat) and the spare wheel.

 

An efficient car… it’s also his equipment, so a reflective vest, a warning triangle and a first-aid kit, which should include bandages, elastic bandage, sterile gas compresses, disinfectants, gloves, blanket made of thermal insulation foil. Let’s also remember about having a set of spare bulbs, not only for our safety on the road, but driving a vehicle with a burned-out light bulb, in a situation when we do not have a backup, it may end up taking the registration certificate by the police.

 

  1. Take your time

Among the main causes of accidents mentioned by the Police Headquarters is the lack of adaptation of speed to traffic conditions (3,536 accidents), failure to give priority to traffic (2030 events), priority to pedestrian crossing (1933), failure to keep a safe distance between vehicles (1747) and incorrect overtaking ( 967).

 

Every trip is worth planning, analyzing the exact route, checking where we can come across road work or changing traffic rules. It is good to leave earlier than planned, rather than leave the trip for the last moment. It is worth setting a rest place on the route, familiarizing with detours, but the most important thing is to have an alternate after many hours of travel, which will relieve us. If we are going abroad, it is worth checking the regulations in force, especially regarding speed limits. In most countries, we can drive up to 50km / h and 80-100km / h in undeveloped areas in built-up areas, depending on the country.

 

  1. Insure yourself

Gauthier calculates that the average cost of towing a car weighing about 1600kg is PLN 2.5 per kilometer, which means that towing from Italy to Czestochowa will cost us PLN 2670 or more, and tow from Prague to Warsaw is expenditure of PLN 1725

 

What to do to feel safe and not incur unnecessary costs? Before leaving, it is worth checking in which countries our OC policy work and verify whether our AC covers only the territory of Poland or also Europe. It’s good to think about extending the AC policy even if it is about theft and buying Assistance, although there are insurers who guarantee the basic package of Assistance together with civil liability insurance.

 

  1. Rest and hydrate the body

Police statistics show that as many as 28,359 accidents that took place in 2017 were caused by guiding people. Doctors and specialists alert us that during hot weather we lose fluids and with them valuable electrolytes, which adversely affects the condition of the body and concentration. We are tired, irritable, we would like to get home as soon as possible. In case of long routes it is good to do a few longer ones and a few shorter stops: stretch your legs, get some fresh air, do some simple exercises to oxygenate the body and improve circulation (specialists recommend a short stop every 2 hours). The hydration of the body is also important. In the summer you should drink 2 liters of water a day, and travel should not be an exception to this rule. It is worth to prepare fruit lemonade and not forget a good meal. Then each trip will be more pleasant.

What you cannot miss if you travel in an Extremadura train

Undoubtedly an adventure full of action, danger and intrigue.

If you travel by train, do not forget your backpack (it will soon be compulsory) and you must bring:

– cold water

– fan

– solar factor + cap

– comfortable footwear

– compass (I do not know how to use it but surely some traveler does cool things with them).

– charged batteries

– sandwiches

– Fire mask and a reflective vest.

– a good book and several magazines

– refreshing wipes (they are good for everything and even if you do not use them. They give you peace of mind).

Recommendations:

Do the course of survival and first aid.

Do not lose your temper you know that you will be many hours, maybe you should chat with your wagon companions you are going to live many adventures together.

If you have the opportunity, explore the terrain in advance, where you will probably be derailed (knowing the area is important).

Keep your family informed at all times.

Patience a lot of patience! Remember that you have to be in shape to travel by train and that is not an adventure Accessible (ideally, train three times a week at least a month before the trip).

Come travelers to the train To download adrenaline!

It’s not just children who have the right to play on the road for holidays! Here is a game for the big ones, with some questions-trap…

1st question: in case of failure on the emergency stop band of a motorway is you obliged to signal your vehicle by a triangle?

Be aware that if you are required to operate the hazard warning flashers and wear a high visibility vest, before placing yourself behind the guardrail, you are not required to deploy your triangle if your vehicle is stopped. On the emergency stops strip and does not encroach on the roadway. Answer No, therefore.

2nd question: your car has 5 seats, should you have 5 reflective vests on board?

Once again… No! Only the driver is subject to this obligation under penalty of a fine of 11 Euros in case of no show and 135 € in case of non-use in the context of an emergency. A vest with reflective material that must be within reach of the driver. That being said. Common sense dictates that it may be better to have all occupants for their safety. It’s really not the most expensive item…

3rd question: is there a minimum speed of respect on the motorway?

Response to several “drawers”… When traffic is flowing and weather conditions permit, you should know that drivers driving on the left-most lane of the highway cannot drive at a speed below 80km / h. On the other tracks, no minimum speed but a simple principle, no driver should interfere with the progression of other vehicles to the extent that they respect the speed limits imposed on that place under penalty, in all cases, a fine of 35 €.

4th question: this concerns all those who, thinking to limit the risk of losing or being stolen their papers, prefer to travel with copies of their registration or driving license. Is it legal?

You should know that you have the obligation to submit, in case of control of the police, the original documents on pain of a fine of € 11 per missing document and a second fine of € 135 in case of no presentation in a police station or gendarmerie within five days. The only exception is for rental vehicles where the contract can act as a registration certificate.

The 5th and last question: I go on vacation with friends that I take in my vehicle… If one of them does not wear the belt, which is verbalized?

If this passenger is over 18, then it is he who will be verbalized and will have to pay the fine of 135 € (fine may be reduced to 90 €) without loss of points for the driver. On the other hand, if the offending passenger is under 18 years old and is badly or not at all attached, it is the driver in this case who will have to pay the fine of 135 € (which can be reduced to 90) but without loss of point.

These are some of the 10 questions that ACA has chosen. A questionnaire that you can find in its entirety in the press area of the National Automobile Club.

The 10 things that cars cannot miss

Ordinary maintenance or emergency management. Getting ready to help drive away stresses. Here are the accessories that you should keep close at hand. A couple, on the contrary, are mandatory…

The reflective jacket

Let’s start with what is obligatory (then we will see what is optional, but useful: the reflective jacket with reflective material.) As the Highway Code says, it must be worn by drivers of vehicles stationary on the roadway, out of the inhabited areas, at night or in conditions of poor visibility, when you set the triangle after a breakdown or to replace a tire or in other cases still. The obligation also applies to passengers, if they get out of the car. The driver who “forgets” to wear the jacket is liable to a fine ranging from 41 to 169 Euros and a 2-point cut on the driver’s license If, on the other hand, the passenger is caught, outside the car, without a jacket or a reflective vest, the penalty is only pecuniary. So it can be worn before leaving the car.

The triangle

In the safety kit required by law, in addition to the reflective jacket, there is the triangle. It must be exposed (at least 50 meters from the car), both during the day and at night, in case you stop on the roadway due to a breakdown. The absence or non-use of the triangle involves a fine from 36 to 148 Euros, in addition to the deduction of two points from the license.

Power cables

The low battery is one of the most common problems in a car, so the power cables become unavoidable, because they help to “resuscitate” the car and get back on the road.

The spare wheel in perfect condition

Whether the car is equipped with the “wheel” or a real spare wheel, it makes little difference: they must be in perfect condition.  the right pressure. Whole. Speech different – but up to a certain point – for cars equipped as standard, instead of the spare wheel, the repair kit, containing a compressor, the can of sealing liquid and everything needed to make a temporary repair. From time to time it is necessary to check the kit to check the efficiency of the components.

A first aid kit

You never know when a first aid kit might be needed, so keeping one in the car is always a smart move. Hoping, of course, never having to use it. They are easily found, from supermarkets to the same service stations, and can be more or less “rich”. It goes without saying that this kit must be kept under control: something can be scarce. Something can expire…

A tool kit

In case you need to make small repairs, have a basic tool kit – wrench, pliers, alien wrenches, screwdriver, pipe wrench and cable ties – will allow you to solve the situation quickly and easily.

A scraper

The scraper only serves in winter, it’s true: when you find the car covered with snow and ice. But it is good to always keep it in your car, because the alternative is to regret not having it in case of need. Woe is to use hot water or alcohol to defrost the glass: the thermal shock could have serious consequences…

A torch

Today all smart phones have an app for the flashlight, but certainly none of these can beat the efficiency and functions of a real flashlight. Which can serve on many occasions, even read maps and documents in the dark.

The fire extinguisher

It may seem exaggerated, but it is not. On the market there are facts for the car, small and easily scalable. The cause of a fire can be an accident or an electrical problem or the overheating of the catalytic converter. It is best to keep it handy, under the driver’s seat. If this is not possible, it can be kept in the trunk, but fixed for good, so that it is easily reachable when needed and does not fly on all sides when not needed.

Work gloves

From the replacement of a rubber to the assembly of the chains, to the control of the oil level (that forces to put the hands in the motor to reach the appropriate rod). There are many opportunities to protect yourself (not just from dirt). There are many types and prices for work gloves.