Tag: reflective clothing

With these accessories, you are shining in the dark

Did you ever get scared while driving these days, when suddenly a pedestrian stood on the roadside you had not seen before? A situation that occurs on the streets every day during the winter months. And that often enough lead to accidents. But there is a pleasing trend: Flashing on the sidewalks and streets of the republic is becoming more and more frequent.

“We can confirm this trend. That’s definitely the case,” says Michael of the traffic accident prevention police in Dusseldorf. “And of course it makes sense because you are seen so much earlier.” Especially cyclists and scooter riders are increasingly traveling with safety vests.

The expert explains: If the spotlight falls on normal clothing. It is only visible from a distance of 30 to 40 meters. “With reflective clothing, it’s 140 to 150 meters, so you’ll be recognized in the spotlight up to five times as early.” And the sooner drivers see one, the better for everyone involved. How bad the visibility can be, shows this video of the Austrian Automobile Club ÖAMTC in a frightening and informative way:

Anyone looking for it soon realizes that there are plenty of light products and reflective clothing for people and animals in the trade. Many accessories are now even really stylish. Earlier, cyclists could choose whether to buy a safety vest in neon yellow or bright orange, and today there are reflective caps, glowing waist and waist straps to accentuate the sporty outfit, or cling and LED bands in all sorts of colors, variations and styles Wish even patterned. Who wants to be an eye-catcher in the dark, can even provide his shoes with shining shoelaces in pink, blue or green.

The products have another thing in common: many are doubly useful. You need a bike lock anyway – why not buy the reflective one then? Even the dog collar when going for a walk must be. If you can additionally protect the quadruped by flashing and lighting, that is an argument for many owners. Many parents may also find the idea of a reflective umbrella for children good: during the day it is light gray, but in the dark it light up when a car headlight illuminates it.

Today it is much cheaper than before to make clothes with reflective elements, which add fuel to the trend. “There are more and more often cheap products to buy, also and especially at the discount stores,” says Axel from BTE trade association textile. For children, in jackets, trousers and shoes, reflective fabrics are often seen from the outset. And last but not least, police, cities and associations are constantly launching traffic visibility campaigns, raising awareness of this issue.

Safe to school: ADAC safety vests for students

22 first graders of the Vosges school in Karlsruhe received on Wednesday not only bright yellow safety vests but also tips on the correct behavior in road traffic by ADAC traffic expert Christophe.

In luggage had a glowing safety vest for each student. While a dark-clad pedestrian can only be recognized by a car driver from a distance of around 25 meters in poor visibility, the visibility in light-colored clothing is already improving to 40 meters, the traffic expert explained to the students. However, anyone who wears reflective clothing is easily noticeable even at a distance of around 150 meters.

Introduce students to road traffic as early as possible

In the dark school, the corridor was tried, how well you can see the reflective safety vest when it is detected by a ray of light. “The safety vests help us in our traffic education work and we try to familiarize students with road traffic as early as possible,” explained Deputy Headmistress of the Vosges School Heike Bohr.

In order to further improve the traffic safety of school children, parents should practice the way to school with their offspring. The ADAC recommends. However, municipalities are also required to create the conditions for a safe way to school, and not least the motorists. You should always keep a close eye on children at the edge of the road and drive extra cautiously near schools, the ADAC says.

Police officers want to order reflective vests

While the number of dead drivers is falling rapidly, pedestrians are getting more and more. In November, they accounted for more than a third of the victims of accidents. Police officers want the pedestrian rules to be tightened – perhaps to wear reflective clothing. What other changes can be expected on the roads?

Taking a blue coat and going out in the dark over the road to the next village can be likened to a suicide attempt. According to the BESIP study, the driver of a moving car sees you in such a garbage when it is 18 meters behind you. She has no chance to react. At eighty-kilometer speed, it needs a minimum distance of at least two times.

While the number of dead drivers in the Czech Republic has fallen sharply in recent years, there are more and more victims among pedestrians. Every fifth death on the road is a pedestrian. Nearly two-thirds of them die outside the village.

November’s statistics are even scarier. Of the total number of 82 deaths in traffic accidents, there were 33 pedestrians. “This number is one of the last reasons why we will require the introduction of mandatory reflective elements for pedestrians next year, at least outside the village,” said Leo Trail, head of the traffic police.

In order for the driver to be able to react in the dark in the black, blue or even red dress in time, he would only have to go for forty. On the other hand, with reflective tapes on the clothes, one can see on the road at 200 meters.

Policemen would like to have the obligation to wear reflective vests or elements in the amendment to the Road Act.

Hurricanes are threatened with fines: without reflective elements at night

A twenty-year-old young man, who was headed for the road from Becalm to Led nice, was completely naked. He now faces a fine in administrative proceedings. He was not wearing reflective vests.

A man walking along the edge of the unlit road was discovered by the Becalm policemen on one of the past days to two hours after midnight.

“Why does he go naked on the road,” the young man explained, warming him and planning a night bath. As he was warmed up not only by walking and hot nights but also by more than two profiles of alcohol, the city policemen bathed him in this state. “the spokesperson of Becalm policemen Novak said.

The man carried his reflective clothing in his bag, so he then dressed and went under the supervision of the police officers to the way leading to his home. But the whole thing was not over for him.

“Since the nakedness in the dark was invisible by the danger of road traffic and the absence of reflective materials have sinned against the pedestrian obligations stated in the Road Act. His administrative offense will be dealt with by the administrative body,” concluded Novak.

A great move to a small village. Reflective School

The autumn-winter period is the time when the safety of pedestrians increases. These people often move on unlit roads, where there are not always placed for this group of traffic participants. Children who are often unconscious of danger are bound to be in danger, trusting an adult driver.

From September 2014, the entry into force of the amended Road Traffic Act came into force, according to which it is the duty of every pedestrian to have reflective clothing, an element of clothing that will clearly mark its presence on the road after dusk and outside built-up areas.

The Ministry of National Education recently, as one of its priorities, has designated the safety of children on many levels. One of them is road safety. In accomplishing this goal, the Primary School in Probe, represented by the Director Renate together with local authorities, entrepreneurs and parents, initiated a number of events, joining the nationwide educational and preventive campaign under the slogan “Reflective School”. This action is cyclical and lasts for three years in a row. Interest is growing from year to year, and the power of transmission is gaining momentum.

The “Reflective School” educates from September to the end of October, noting that the pedestrian, which moves on a dark road without reflections, is practically invisible. The driver is able to notice such a person only from a distance of 20-30 meters. However, if the pedestrian has reflective materials, the driver can already see it at more than 150 m. Such a reflective element, improving the pedestrian’s visibility, often saves lives.

As part of the action, acting to improve security in the municipality of Algeria, Primary School in Probe Begot organized a number of events this year, which, through play, educated both the youngest and adults. In Probe begot, this is a particularly important issue to move because of the busy and dangerous road no. 780 running through the village. Children and teachers to organize a nightly march along this road in reflective vests, wanting to draw attention to the drivers. In addition, vest cycling tours and hiking, tours are organized. It is a kind of manifesto and warning of children who shout – “See us – release!”.

Wear reflections, it’s not embarrassing

3,5 thousand reflective vests bought by the Regional Road Traffic Center in Opole will soon be delivered to the inhabitants of the Opole region.

The action of giving them started. The police handed them over to passers-by and cyclists in Wadena, Nyssa, Opole and Strzelecki Poolside. – On the days will be also distributed in the other points – says the aspirant Karol Brandies from the press office of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Opole. Thanks to them, unprotected participants will be visible on the road. – Fast falling dark, fog and slippery surface, are the conditions that make cyclists and pedestrians exposed more than usual to danger – says the sub-inspector Pieter Bob from the traffic department of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Opole.

The driver sees a pedestrian at night who is not wearing reflective clothing from a distance of about 30-40 meters. This is often too little to react in time. When the pedestrian is wearing reflections, he may notice such a man even from 150 meters.

– This gives the driver a chance to slow down and safely bypass the pedestrian or cyclist – adds Pieter Bob. In order to fulfill his role, the reflective tapes should be placed on clothing, at the height of the knees, hands, around the center of the chest or back. – Carrying them is nothing shameful – says Charles Brandies.

The yellow vest is soon obligatory for delivery men!

Like motorists, drivers of a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle will be required to wear a high visibility vest when traveling.

As of January 1, 2016, all drivers of a motor vehicle with two or three wheels (motorcycle, scooter …) or a motor quadricycle not bodied must have a high visibility vest commonly known as “yellow vest “. Professionals who use these means of locomotion in the course of their work (couriers, delivery men …) are no exception to the rule. Indeed, they must have this vest on them or in a storage of their vehicle (net, trunk …). In addition, they must wear it before leaving their vehicle in case of immobilization on the roadway or its surroundings following an emergency stop.

And be careful, the driver who does not respect these new obligations may be penalized. The non-possession of the reflective clothing will be liable to a fine of € 11 (up to € 38) while forgetting to wear the safety vest when getting off the vehicle following a stop emergency will be sanctioned by a fine of 135 € (up to 750 €).

However, by exception, the police court may decide to charge the employer the payment of fines. In fact, given the circumstances and working conditions of the driver (the pressure exerted by the employer to shorten delivery times, for example), the fine may be paid, in whole or in part, by the employer. even if he was summoned to the hearing. Be careful therefore to provide your motorcycle two-wheelers with a safety vest from next year!

Safety vest and reflector make the children more visible

In Hilden, Monday, 37 preschool children were made fit for traffic. Because many people are attracted to dark and they are poorly visible.

 

Only last Friday it happened again – a six-year-old boy was hit on the way to school in Warmers by a car. He walked carelessly on the street and was seen too late by a driver. Luckily, he was only slightly injured. Nevertheless, the police took the case as an opportunity to make the parents of schoolchildren once again to draw attention to the fact that the children should wear brighter and reflective clothing.

 

The purpose is also followed by the series “Glitter in the Dark”, which stopped at the Caritas day care center on Monday. Thirty-seven preschool children between the ages of five and six were playfully prepared for the road – especially in terms of colors and reflectors.

 

“It’s amazing how few children wear reflectors.”

“I can see Finn’s jacket best,” cried the children, as they stood in the darkened dining room of the daycare in jackets and winter boots and the beam of flashlights fell on the bright green of the winter jacket. Other kids thought it best to see Thales’s jacket – a light purple model with reflective stripes.

 

The group of Finn and Thales is the third, which is guided by the program of the traffic guard on this day. “That’s a very good group,” says Andrea from the kindergarten – she means both the colors of the clothes and the attention of the children. Karoline Starch-Schmitz, managing director of the traffic department, agrees. In contrast, it is surprising how many children still wear dark or black jackets. “It’s amazing how few children wear reflectors,” she says. The problem is especially the parents, who draw their children too dark clothes. “Parents attract children like little adults.”

 

Also in this group, there were some dark blue or black jackets. Light, reflective jacket is so important, says Karoline Starch-Schmitz. The accident figures with children had gone up. That is why the children should be sensitized. Therefore, you could also put pressure on the parents. “We can hardly reach it otherwise.”

New regulation is intended to enlighten cyclists

The German police union and the CDU want cyclists who wear the reflective clothing. Others reject a rule – and the accident statistics of the police on the lack of lighting surprised.

 

The German police union wants to bring light into the dark on the bike paths. Land chief calls for a warning waistcoat for cyclists in the dark. In addition, it reaps predominantly skepticism, but enthusiasm with the CDU. Their transport policy spokesperson Oliver Frederica wants to “address the issue in the coalition and consider whether we make a Federal Council initiative out of it.”

 

Brickman reports of an eye-opening experience at a meeting of patrol and traffic police. There it was illustrated with photos, how well cyclists can be seen thanks to the West – especially in the rich in lights City, in which the bicycle lights are not always noticeable.

 

Others emphasize, however, that rather than adopting a new rule, it would be preferable to enforce the long-established light-driving method in the dark. This is also what Kerstin Philipp, head of the larger police union said: “If we had more police, we could do much more preventative. With more controls and presence, the educational effect would also apply. ”

 

The critics of a duty emphasize the fact that it makes sense to wear a safety vest as a cyclist. “Safety vests and cycling helmets contribute to self-protection, and that’s why I recommend it,” says Siegfried Brickman, who heads accident research for insurers. “For the dark season warning vests would definitely not be bad,” confirms boss Philipp. SPD transport politician Ole Reins says: “I find a voluntary good.” He does not respond to the CDU demand for a Federal Council initiative. “We also do not equip the pedestrians with safety vests.” This argument does not pull: “Pedestrians are not so fast and less on the road.”

 

The police department states that it is “in the best interests of every cyclist” to be well seen through light and bright, ideally reflective clothing. “While, according to police observations, there are still too many cyclists traveling in the dark without light, the voluntary use of safety vests has already increased significantly without any obligation.” The police recommend both safety vests and helmets.

 

The Greens and the cycling association ADFC reject clothing regulations. International comparisons showed that for safe cycling, it was the traffic climate had to be improved. The German lighting requirement would be sufficient if it were enforced. In Munster, it succeeded to increase the audience rating by controls from 40 per cent in the year 2007 to now 97 per cent. Who is caught without light on the wheel, pays 20 Euros.

 

Brickman justifies his demand for compulsory wasting with the fact that cyclists caused at least 54 percent of their 6952 accidents in 2013 as well. However, in a study by the police, the subject of lighting does not even appear on more than one hundred pages – not even in the list of the eight most common causes of accidents, which covers at least 94 percent of the cases. An indication of the problem of poor visibility provides at most the evaluation of the other cyclists accidents caused: There is priority violation in second place. Therefore, good high visibility clothing will be necessary for the drivers. Often this has to do with the fact that others have simply overlooked the cyclists. The discrepancy between the subjectively perceived as extremely reckless lack of lighting and their objectively minor role in the accident explain professionals so that moments of horror and near misses are not recorded.

The best Reflective school in Lesser Poland

Primary students can be proud of themselves. They not only know how to safely navigate after dark, to be visible on the road with the high visibility vest, but also to win the title of the best “Reflective School” in the entire province.

 

We are pleased with the victory in the competition and at the same time, we are proud that we have made a brick to improve the safety on the way to and from school – says Megara from the University. Students from September to December under the supervision of police officers learned the rules of safety on the road. They received reflective vests and bands to be even more visible after dark. They took part in the art competition and the safety tournament.

 

One of the most spectacular actions of the primary school was the march through the most frequented streets. The group was in a colorful procession, carrying banners with slogans encouraging wearing reflective clothing. All participants in the happening were dressed in reflective vests. The prize for the best school in the region was money for the purchase of teaching materials. In addition, children received material prizes, as well as certificates confirming the school’s activity in the area of caring for the safety of students on their way to school.