Tag: reflective material

How to use reflective accessories correctly

A fashion show of reflective accessories was prepared by South Moravian police officers for visitors of Thursday’s event on Moresque. At the event called “Let us see who leads guests,” the organizers have warned of the possibilities people can prevent from accidents. “We want to emphasize the importance of security enhancements. We need to be seen, because we have only one life, “said Petra. A pedestrian and vehicle traffic accident always has tragic consequences.

 

At the Basil stand, the children tried to identify dangerous situations. They evaluated whether it was good that the children in the picture played on the road. “So they do not have to read the lengthy questions, so they are pictures. We have hidden in them also those who do not usually have problems with children. The parents are worse off when they try to hurry quickly and overlook them, “said Panel, the coordinator of the Basil team.

 

Basil’s glasses contributed to the program, giving the impression of drug intake or drug overdose. “I was afraid. I heard it was a headache, but it did not seem like I was spinning. I saw the pink color instead of red, but the problem did not do it to me, “wrote Vera from Brno. She was also attracted by reflective material. Like bags and rugs that she would like to buy her grandson.

 

The most popular reflective elements are by Hands Strip on a hand, cranberries, or various pendants. “The colors are beautifully seen behind the lights. Silver is good again in the evening and in the dark. When the light comes from the car, the pedestrian lights up and attracts the driver’s attention,” Horizon said. Reflective material is visible at two hundred meters, and the driver has a longer reaction time.

 

The obligation to wear reflex extras outside the village for diminished visibility has a legal obligation. “It would be best to wear them constantly because the pedestrian crossing may be ill-illuminated. The man in dark clothes is so easily overlooked, Horizon added.

 

The fire brigade arrived in a car-carrying car for traffic accidents and car fires. They have shown the expansion pliers they use when they get rid of an obstacle. The ambulance also attracted attention. People are most interested in how it looks inside. They also asked for revitalization. “There are various myths about it. Many people think that when a straight line on the ECG occurs, the rescuers in safety clothing must immediately defibrillate. They know it from action movies, “remarked rescuer Node. At the same time, the rescuer tried to put things right. “There are only two defibrillating rhythms, and only you can fix them with a shock. So when the line is straight, the rescuers resurrect and the rhythm of the chest massage may occur.

Reflective tape can save your life

Do you know why the reflective tape for clothing is so important?

Many tests have shown that if a person is in a dark, blue dress, for example, the driver is able to record him at a distance of 18 meters. This is better for example with the yellow color of the garment when the pedestrian is recorded at a distance of 37 meters, in white then the driver sees it at 55 meters. However, even this distance is not enough to avoid pedestrians safely at night. Pedestrians should therefore always have some element in their clothing to make them more visible.

 

Fluorescent materials increase visibility in daylight and at dusk, but in darkness they lose their function. The use of reflexive materials is preferable – they reflect light in a narrow cone back to the source, up to a distance of about 200 meters. They greatly increase visibility in the dark and in low visibility. Reflective material can be seen at night three times the distance of white clothing and more than 10 times longer than blue clothing.

 

Reflective items are best placed at the end of the sleeves, close to the knees and to the waist level (cyclists like helmet and bike, for example). We can then buy clothes that are already equipped with reflective materials, as well as school bags with reflective stripes.

These are the characteristics that the reflective vest should have

From January 1 on all vehicles must be worn with a reflective vest, measure that seeks to reduce traffic accidents and collisions of drivers when they get off the car. Those who do not comply with the regulations will be committing a slight fault and will have to pay a fine that varies between 0.2 to 0.5 UTM.

 

In order to comply with the law, it is necessary to be clear about the characteristics of the vest that must be worn.

Characteristics of the vest

– Yellow fluorescent material

-It must have bands of retro reflective material with a width greater than 50mm

-The vest must be in a place accessible from inside the vehicle, so that the driver who gets off the car does so with this element.

 

According to the decree, these alternatives can be used:

-Two horizontal bands bordering the torso separated by a minimum distance of 50mm and bands that joins the upper band of the torso from front to back, passing through each shoulder.

-A horizontal band surrounds the torso, and bands join from front to back over each shoulder. The 50mm distance should also be maintained.

-Two horizontal bands are surrounding the torso, separated by a minimum distance of 50 mm. The lower part of the lower band must be at a minimum distance of 50 mm from the lower edge of the safety vest.

Victims without safety vest at transition to wintertime

The transition to wintertime costs more deaths and serious injuries annually, especially among pedestrians without wear reflective vest, according to Belgian research. This weekend it is dark an hour earlier at the start of the winter season. We give you tips to prevent accidents in the dark or at dusk:

 

Pedestrians

It is vitally important that you are clearly visible as a pedestrian. Choose reflective clothing. This makes you better noticed by motorists. You can already see up to 150 meters with reflective clothing. With dark clothing, car drivers only see you from 20 meters. Look extra good when crossing. Due to the light from the headlights, it is often difficult to make eye contact. Be sure that the driver stops when you cross. Having priority does not mean that you also get this.

 

Cyclists

Check your bike. Bicycles have reflectors and lighting. Check that all reflective material are on the bike and that the lighting is working. You will find all cycling requirements in our checklist. You can also stand out with clothing: In case of rain, twilight and in the dark, bright or light-colored clothing is the best. In the case of fog during the day, you see dark-colored clothing the best. Reflective strips also help to stand out better.

Do you have children? Discuss at home how you can stand out in traffic. Make, for example, see the rebus with your child, and be seen!

 

Motorists

Try to drive more slowly near pedestrian crossings. As a driver, you should always be able to stop for each crossing. It is always possible that a pedestrian does not have a good view of what is coming or is distracted. A pedestrian without safety vest can hide behind another pedestrian. If you stop to cross a pedestrian, it is advisable to look before you go to see if there is no other pedestrian.

Three quarters of poorly lit cyclists in town

Cycling may be a healthy, silent and non-polluting means of transportation, but its practice entails risks that can be partly avoided thanks to good safety equipment. A recent study unfortunately shows that this is not the case: three quarters of cyclists are poorly lit at night.

 

A recent survey conducted by the Road Safety Association and the MMA insurer raises a major problem in the world of urban cycling. The study took place between January and March last in 11 French cities including Paris and the result is not glorious: three cyclists out of 4 have a luminous device absent or defective and thus increase their risks of serious accident.

 

City lighting is often enough to see but the cyclist does not think enough to be seen. On average, 13% of cyclists are equipped with accessories to optimize their visibility and only 1 in 10 wear a helmet. However, bicycle lighting is mandatory as well as a reflective safety vest (off-agglomeration). This equipment is essential for the safety of the cyclist because it allows him to be visible on 150 meters against 30 meters without accessories.

 

So do not forget that cycling can be dangerous, motorists do not necessarily pay attention to cyclists and often do not even see them, that’s why it is important to mark your presence on the road. In 2012, 155 cyclists unfortunately lost their lives in a car accident and 20% of them were driving in the middle of the night and without wearing any reflective material.

Road safety: Cuff requirement with reflective tape

A few weeks after the IRB, things are becoming clearer for bikers and scooters. No vest to wear, no fluorescent either, but an armband is equip. The CNSR suspends the obligation to wear mandatory permanent retro-reflective motorcycle and scooter. An update on the legislation of retro-reflective material on motorbikes and scooters is announced.

 

Among the 18 measures of the last IRB (Interdepartmental Committee on Road Safety), 1 made a big noise: “Drivers of motorcycles and tricycles will have to wear retro-reflective equipment. “Many wanted to see the obligation to wear a fluorescent yellow vest. It is true that, as we said then, the wording was rather vague. A few days later, it was more a question of wearing equipment equipped with retro-reflective elements on a few square centimeters, without specifying the exact size. Today, the speech has changed, and everything will go through a “simple” armband.

 

The information came from RTL and was relayed by our colleagues Moto: Michele Merle (landed since) evoked then an armband. Here are some details on this subject. The device in question must be retro-reflective and visible from the front, from the back, and from both sides. It will therefore be necessary to wear an armband on the left, but also on the right! However, this cuff should not necessarily be fluorescent, but only retro-reflective; the phobic’s of the “yellow building site” will be relieved. And as some black textiles can be retro reflective, if a manufacturer decides to release an armband matching future standards remaining sober in broad daylight, his fortune is assured. We expect of course the publication of the decrees, but according to our information, worn armbands should measure 3 centimeters in width, be retro-reflective over their entire surface, and surround the arm. To our knowledge, as long as the jackets are not equipped, this leaves the choice between the elastic cuffs and the RIBs. In any case, it will be necessary to be careful not to lose them when one removes his jacket.

 

Some will be skeptical about the usefulness of the device, including its mandatory daytime character when a retro-reflective tape is only effective at night. Anyway, when the text comes into application, not wearing these armbands should be punished by 2 points less (and 68 €). But before rushing to equip you, wait until the norm is clearly established, because it is a safe bet that some unscrupulous will ride the “fear of the fine” to propose in advance sold armbands at low prices and who may well not protect you from the Forces of the Order.

 

We contacted the manufacturers, who told us that they would soon offer these armbands in their catalogs, the time for them to adapt their ranges. In addition, if some had taken the lead with detachable cuffs, this innovation involved only the left arm, which will be insufficient in the eyes of the law anyway.

Safety Equipment: ten new features to secure your safety

What is new on the side of personal protective equipment (PPE)? Shoes, helmets, ventilators or noise protection, the manufacturers have drawn in the new technologies with a marked concern to ensure.

 

Honeywell: safety shoes

With Energy and Synergic, Honeywell is launching a new range of two protective footwear for professionals working in harsh environments, including construction sites. This new range has been designed in full grain leather that gives the footwear resistance to wear in wet and soiled environments. The lining keeps the feet dry and absorbs perspiration, while the polyurethane coated protective toe is abrasion resistant. These shoes are also designed to facilitate the evacuation of liquids. Side resistance again, they have reinforced seams on the quarters and on the upper parts. A gusseted tongue reinforces protection while an ergonomic and padded collar ensures comfort in all positions. Precision, the range complies with the requirements of the applicable standard for safety shoes. Finally, both models are adorned with a reflective piping at the heel and on the sides.

 

Dunlop Protective Footwear: safety boot

Dunlop Protective Footwear won the “if Design Award” for a safety boot dubbed Dunlop Reliance, a label that testifies to the quality of its design. This boot, which combines aesthetics and protection, is born from the association of two brands that have brought each of the specific technologies: Uproot, a specific material signed Dunlop, gives it its lightness and ensures its thermal insulation down to -20 ° C ; and Viral XS Work, an extremely non-slip sole. Reliance offers the protection of a boot and the comfort of a shoe. Precision, it has a reflective material protective cap and a steel midsole that allows it to meet the most stringent safety standards without yielding to elegance. Equipped with pull-tabs, Reliance goes up to the calf and knee high under the name Dunlop Expander.

The DH tested a reflective material spray

The IBSR and the DH have tested the new self-reflective bombs and come to the same conclusions. Recently available on the net or in specialized stores, reflective material spray bombs have not yet invaded our cities. The Belgian Institute for Road Safety (BRSI) has conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of these products. The DH also performed tests.

 

To be effective, retro reflective paints must be visible when illuminated and otherwise invisible. “They can then become an alternative to fluorescent vests, considered impractical or cumbersome by some. Inversely, if they do not give the expected results, low users could have a false sense of security,” says the IBSR. As part of this survey, the BRSI tested paint samples on fabrics commonly worn outdoors and on building materials; and this in different weather conditions. At DH, we tested the textile bomb and checked its effectiveness on cotton in the dark.

 

“In view of the results obtained, the IBSR can not recommend the use of this type of retro reflective paint as an alternative to high visibility clothing. Although invisible paint, when properly applied, can improve the ability to be seen, the gain is much lower than that of traditional fluorescent jackets,” concludes the specialized institute.

 

First, the reflective effects are only noticeable at a distance of several meters. The spray is not very visible at three meters. Second, the product is certainly washable but is highly toxic and polluting, which is stated on the packaging. Third, to see the effect of the product, the packaging accurately makes a photo with flash. However, in our tests, we noted that the spray reflects much more flashlight than that of car headlights. Finally, the price of a bomb varies between 15 and 25 Euros depending on the volume (100 ml or 200 ml).

 

“If a properly approved garment is not available, the invisible retro reflective paint may be a good way to increase its visibility, but the user must be aware of its limited effect,” advises the BRSI. He welcomes the initiative and sees potential in this type of products.

 

 

Required Reflective vest: Can Pedestrian Accident is the culprit

Do you know that even a pedestrian can be found responsible? We looked in detail at what brought about the introduction of mandatory reflective elements.

Since February 20 this year, pedestrians have a new duty to use outside of the village for reduced visibility of reflective elements. As the traffic police chief says, the first statistics suggest that fatal accidents outside the village in the dark have actually fallen. However, the amendment to the Road Traffic Act, which deals with reflexive elements, has brought another dimension to the view of night walks with pedestrians.

 

The share is common

“The obligation to wear reflective elements actually caused a balance between the driver and the pedestrian. A legal situation has arisen where not only the driver has to deal with driving, but the pedestrian has a duty to be seen, “says lawyer Jan Ferny. Before the amendment to pedestrians was effective, the driver was the primary culprit for the police and, therefore, the prosecutor. “I also experienced cases of accusations when the pedestrian walked on the wrong side of the road, he was darkly dressed and even under the strong influence of alcohol,” adds Jan Ferny.

 

Experts agree that today, when investigating traffic accidents, it focuses not only on drivers but also on the potential share of the pedestrian. “We have a duty here, and it is judged whether a pedestrian had a reflective element or not. If a chauffeur with a reflective element had seen it, there may be situations where the driver is fully developed. This was a rare occurrence of a collision with a pedestrian, “Jan Ferny continues.

 

Forget insurance benefits

In some cases, the pedestrian may be found partially or completely guilty. In addition, this can be reflected in the insurance benefit. “It always depends on the investigation of the accident by the police on the spot. It can happen that the insurer of the pedestrian will not be harmed, because he can make an accident himself, “says Jeri. Allianz also agrees: “There is always a general obligation to prevent damage. There is also the possibility of curtailing. In each individual case, we examine whether the element was used, how it was placed, and what its reflective surface was, “he says, pointing to other pitfalls. “It is typical that pedestrians have a reflective vest from behind, which can be useless if they go in the opposite direction. Then it is considered as complicity and guilt – and it can be even one hundred percent, “says Bearn and shows the case from practice.

 

I will see you in five years

“My mother with a stroller went in the dark outside the village and did not wear any reflective elements, and she went to the wrong side, the right side. There was a ninety car coming from behind. The driver registered it for thirty meters, making it 25 meters in a second reaction time before making an evasive maneuver to avoid it. However, the car was running in the opposite direction, so there was a frontal collision with tragic consequences. It is quite clear that the woman is at least a part of the guilt. Probably, at least part of the costs will be recovered – and it can go up to millions of crowns, “Alan Alan describes the possibility that even the amount can be recovered from pedestrians.

 

According to Bearn, the investigation of similar accidents will be very demanding, and will often have to take place in investigative trials. It is now common practice for the traffic police chief that the courts determine the percentage of responsibility of the parties. However, with the new law, a specific interpretation and judicial practice is still awaited. “In a myriad of situations, the walker says he did not expect reduced visibility, or that it is not a bad outlook. This will be the assessment of the experts and, at the same time, the interpretation of the courts. I assume, therefore, that it will take at least five years before we can say how it is, “adds Jan Ferny.

 

Three questions for Tomas, Chief of Traffic Police

How did the February change of the Reflective Obligations Act sign on accident statistics? In general, pedestrians have experienced year-on-year fall in accidents. Over the past ten months, 82 have died, about fourteen less than in a comparable period in 2015. If we only talked about nighttime, we recorded 29 killed pedestrians out of the village in 2016, 41 people in 2015. The decrease is therefore visible. Problems are, however, municipalities where more than eleven more victims have been in sight this year – 37. I would like to emphasize that both sides underestimate the situation here. Drivers do not drive at a speed so they can safely stop. On the other hand, pedestrians should remember that not always the driver sees and records their intention to go. Therefore, they should not suddenly come in front of the vehicle.

 

Do you know how many people killed outside the village have used reflective elements?

We report each accident to the log, but we do not have statistics. However, after the end of the year we will assess how many people the regulation has violated.

 

You advised that during November you would focus on reflective elements. How did it end up?

We surveyed 6,152 pedestrians throughout the Czech Republic, of whom more than five thousand were in places where they were obliged to use a reflective material. Fourteen percent of the regulation did not comply. Some cases were solved by agreement. While we initially talked to pedestrians and gave out the reflective tapes, which we continue, this time, because of the increased risk associated with the winter season, we went to fines. We believe that the length of time that the reflective tapes are being talked about is long enough. We chose about fifty thousand fines.

 

 

Instead of a mandate – a reflective vest

In the un-built area before dawn, with very bad road conditions, they moved without lighting or reflective elements. Exceptionally due to new regulations, they did not receive a mandate from police officers, and for the improvement of visibility and safety, reflective vests. Let us take care of your safety. Any reflective element or vest can not only save your health but often also life.

 

Police from the road near Krakow and Rigor before dawn with very bad road conditions, dense fog, revealed unprotected road users in the area, who moved without any reflective material.

Two women detained in connection with the offense revealed to police officers that they did not know about the new regulations requiring pedestrians on the way outside the built-up area to use retro-reflective elements placed in a visible place. The man, on the other hand, said he had forgotten to take the reflection from home and forgot to turn on the lighting in his bike.

 

Exceptionally, unprotected participants of the traffic did not receive tickets from the police officers and after receiving the instructions, they received reflective vests. Police officers received reflective elements as part of the campaign “Be visible – be safe!”