Tag: reflective vest

There is no reflective tape as reflective tape

The duty to have reflective materials on clothing is in law this February. But there are still many tragic accidents with “invisible” pedestrians. In most cases, pedestrians simply had no reflective elements. But as BESIP pointed out, some reflective tapes that pedestrians buy do not work as well as they should.

 

The reflective tape is one of the ways to meet the requirements of the new road law for pedestrians who go outside the village in low visibility. However, according to BESIP’s Department of Transport, not all tapes are the same.

 

They should be right at 200 meters. “There are also cases where the material works only within a distance of 60 to 70 meters,” said Martin, director of BESIP. How well the reflective tape is visible should give a leaflet, respectively marking directly on the tape. The elements that meet the European standard EN 13356 are well visible.

 

Top on foot

In addition to the tape itself, however, its location also plays a role. It may seem best to place it on your sleeve. But from a security point of view, this is not the case. Car headlights shine to the ground, so the legs are first seen. The reflective strap on the leg is the most effective solution that truly guarantees pedestrian visibility up to 200 meters.

 

Reflective strips handed over 300,000 to the police and BESIP staff this year. Yet many pedestrians still do not use them. For example, during a traffic safety event last week in the Ústí nad Labem region, police officers controlled 193 pedestrians, 111 of whom were “invisible”.

 

Your money or Your Life

For the time being, police officers usually need to talk. However, by law, people who do not use reflective elements(like reflective vest or reflective tape) are threatened with a fine of up to two thousand, when they go off the road outside the village.

 

The rule is not the lawmakers’ will, it responds to the annual tragic accident statistics. Eighteen pedestrians only died on the roads this year in October, which contributed significantly to the particularly high number of road accidents during the month. According to Traffic Lines Director Tomas Lerch, visibility contributed to most car crashes with pedestrians.

Reflective vest: How is it going abroad

We have not for nothing said that every truck driver has similar reflective clothing in the car. According to statistics, it is professional drivers who carry out long-haul flights, as no one else understands the need to wear clothing with reflective tapes at night when there is a forced stop on the side of the road, or car repairs are required. They encounter similar situations in their work almost daily. If with regard to Russian truckers flying within the country, it is still possible to say that not all of them have reflective clothing, then their colleagues who make flights beyond the Russian borders use it without fail. And for good reason. For example, crossing the Polish border, the Russian driver immediately sees just a huge array of reflective clothing on Polish drivers and pedestrians. Unusual for such illumination, the Russian eye is at first difficult to get used to it. But then everything falls into place. Practically in all countries of the European Union, at the legislative level, there are rules obliging drivers and pedestrians to wear reflective clothing at night outside the settlements. In addition, in European countries, there are impressive, especially by Russian standards, fines for the lack of a reflective vest or jacket. For example, on the Portuguese country roads, you can safely walk in the dark near the car without a vest for 300 euros. If the police recorded a similar offense on a high-speed autobahn, then the amount of the fine doubles and will amount to 600 euros. In neighboring Spain, there is a fixed fine of 140 euros; on Italian roads, the local police can find a hundred euros on Italian roads for lack of reflective clothing. In Switzerland, there is a norm that obliges drivers to not only wear reflective clothing when forced to stop, but also to include a special light signal, which must be issued by a special device placed on the driver’s clothes. For the absence of reflective clothing and a light signal, a penalty equivalent to 200 euros is provided for it. The smallest penalty in Europe for violating the rules for the use of reflective clothing exists, oddly enough, in Germany. It is only 15 euros. But interestingly, almost all German drivers have similar vests or jackets. Probably conscious Germans care about their own safety and the well-being of their passengers. The longest legislative rule for the use of reflective equipment for drivers is in the United Kingdom. Since the mid-80s of the last century, British drivers have to put on reflective gear when they are forced to stop on the road or on the side of the road.

 

The reflective vest invented in the United States and began to be massively used by American drivers in the late 60s of the last century. At the same time, at the legislative level, a similar rule appeared in the American rules of the road only in the late eighties of the last century. Europeans began to introduce a similar rule for their drivers and pedestrians somewhere in the mid-90s. And only in the CIS countries, it is still possible to walk along the side of the road with impunity or stand near a stopped car without reflective clothing. Therefore, experts say that this innovation in the Russian traffic rules was 10-15 years late. Western drivers very often acquire reflective equipment for their passengers, at least for one of them. They are well aware that the safety of passengers is in their area of responsibility.

 

European drivers, Americans or Canadians do not have to be afraid of fines. They have a well-developed sense of self-preservation, which tells them that using reflective clothing in the dark on highways simply saves their lives. For Russian drivers and pedestrians, most likely, the main argument for compliance with the norm of the law will be the punishment for its failure. What kind of penalties provided for Russian pedestrians and car owners who do not use reflective clothing on the roads in the dark?

Safety on the track: reflective vests should be in the cabin of each car

The Russian government has changed the traffic rules. Now in the dark when leaving the car, drivers are required to wear a retro-reflective vest. It costs a penny but saves lives. Motorists need to be brighter to live longer.

 

Both in the city and on the highway it is equally dangerous to become invisible. In the dark and conditions of limited visibility, hundreds of people die. Helping the victims in a night accident, the actor of the series “Fizruk” died. Yegor Klinaev noticed the collided cars and stopped. The driver of a foreign car flying past crashed cars and not a caring car owner did not see.

 

Sultan Zhankaziyev, vice-rector of MADI, professor: “In our system of driver training, unfortunately, in connection with behavior in the event of an accident, there are no necessary points. In other countries, this moment is given a lot of attention. Everyone understands perfectly that people are dying not only as a result of an accident but also after an accident.”

 

According to the traffic rules, drivers should wear vests, but passengers are also at risk when they get out of the car. In Europe, a set of 5 vests should be in every car.

 

Irina Pegova, actress: “This is really important because I am on the tracks and often see fatal outcomes.”

 

The truckers suggested using a vest on the tracks as a “need help” signal.

 

Alexey Levchenko, the head of the truckers’ community: “We need some kind of sign that will indicate that a person needs help. And the vest was taken for the idea, to hang it on the mirror on the left side. Perfectly visible passing cars.”

 

After 3 months, when the norm comes into force, every driver must have a reflective vest, and not in the trunk, but inside the car, so as not to go out on a dark and dangerous road without a vest. It is necessary to wear it, but fine, if not put on, no. People themselves must take care of their safety. Vest for 200 rubles can be a salvation. The “Main Road” program encourages both drivers and pedestrians to wear retro-reflective elements.

Bike helmets in the test

The winter is over and we can dare to go back to the bikes. 70 percent of the Germans do not wear a helmet and reflective vest, but a serious head injury is the most common accident when falling from a bicycle!

 

Bicycle helmets are not only mandatory for children. The adults are not all-rounders and mistakes are human – you do not even have to blame yourself. A good bike helmet does not hurt, is light and even looks sporty. You do not have to spend tons of money on it. For 30 euros you get a helmet that is comfortable and qualitative. And as long as you do not end up on the head, you do not have to buy a new one, so put on a helmet!

 

Bicycle helmets come in many different shapes and colors. Depending on whether you only occasionally make a trip, every day to work or off for sporting reasons, you should adjust his requirements for the helmet. For sports riders, there are even helmets with visor, then you can even get on the saddle in winter and in summer this is a perfect insect repellent.

 

Even for biking at night, there are helmets with LEDs recently, so you are seen in the dark from afar. But eye-catching helmet colors also ensure passive safety.

 

Bike helmets in the test

The test portal Alles Beste has seen ten new bicycle helmets. The new test winner Uvex City Light was chosen. He is comfortable, has a sunscreen, night lighting and also the shutter is very convenient. For this helmet, however, you have to take a bit more money into your hands. But even for the small purse, there are other good recommendations.

 

Sports cyclists should be enthusiastic about the Casco Roadster. He has a visor and a great shape, which surrounds the head even more than ordinary bicycle helmets. He is still lightweight and has a high wearing comfort. Separate earmuffs make this helmet even winterproof. Reflective stripes also guarantee this model a high level of road safety. This helmet is also a bit more expensive, but for regular use, this is worth the investment. For the small purse, the test portal Alles Beste can recommend the Cratoni Pacer +. It comes with everything a good bike helmet needs to have: comfort, lightness, sun protection and easy handling. The helmet, which does not even cost 30 euros, is available in many colors.

Bike safety: a reminder of the new rules

A multitude of measures concerning cyclists has been adopted since May 2018, as part of Bill 165 amending the Highway Safety Code. A little refreshment is needed, at the beginning of the season.

 

Pedestrian light: drive with caution

 

In recent days, “facing a red light and a pedestrian light activated, the cyclist is allowed to continue his journey. In this case, he must stop, give priority to pedestrians and drive at a reasonable and prudent speed.

 

Exceeding distance cars

 

Another rule that came into effect this week is for drivers to “slow down and stay a distance when they’re past a cyclist,” says Sophie Roy. “This distance is 1.5m on roads where the limit is more than 50 km/h and 1m on roads where the limit is 50 km/h or less”.

 

Sanctions on the rise

 

Offenses for bicycle offenses were increased in May 2018 to $ 80 to $ 100, while demerit points are no longer applied.

 

“Before, the fines for cyclists were the same as for pedestrians, from $ 15 to $ 30. The level of risk of hurting another road user is higher for a cyclist than for a pedestrian, “says Roy.

 

No distractions

 

A new measure also confirms that it is forbidden for any cyclist “to use a cell phone or any other portable device designed to transmit or receive information or to be used for entertainment purposes, or to make use of a display screen “.

 

The same applies to the wearing of headphones that are not allowed, with the exception of the “bike helmet with integrated earphones that captures the ambient noise,” says Ms. Roy.

 

Signals of intentions

 

During a turn at an intersection, “the rule required the cyclist to make two signals: one to signal his intention to slow down and one to signal his intention to turn,” puts Ms. Roy in context.

 

Since May 2018, the first is no longer mandatory, but the second still holds, unless his maneuver jeopardizes the safety of the cyclist, stipulates the regulation.

 

Multiple reflective materials and reflective vests

 

“The red reflector on the back and the white reflector on the front of the bike are always mandatory,” says Roy.

 

However, “alternative measures are permitted to fill the absence of reflectors on parts of the bicycle such as pedals and spokes”, including reflective tire sidewalls and appropriate color reflective strips placed in the right places.

A reflector that saves lives

It is impossible to tell how many people wearing a reflective vest saved their lives. Most often, millions of wise pedestrians are mentioned, who from the accident saved the reflecting “guardian angel”. Why are the reflections so important? As explained by PZU experts, with poor visibility, no reflective materials, the pedestrian is visible on the road in the car’s passing lights from a distance of only 20-30 meters. At a speed of 90 km / h, the driver overcomes 25 meters per second and may not be able to react when he sees a pedestrian. However, if the pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element that reflects the lights of the car, the driver will notice it already from a distance of 130-150 meters, which is much faster. It can save a living life. “If we are visible on the road, we become much more secure. Just pin the reflection to the school backpack or put on your hand. Such a small thing – a reflection, in certain situations may prove invaluable and protect a child from an accident,” explains Dorota Macieja, a member of the PZU Życie Management Board.

 

For years, various institutions have been trying to convince pedestrians to wear reflective elements.

 

On January 25th, the “Reflex Day” is celebrated. Its originators are Norwegians, and since 2017 it is celebrated in Poland. The primary objective of the campaign is to promote the use of reflective elements with reflective tapes, especially by pedestrians. The PZU is also encouraged to wear the reflections of the youngest road users. As part of the “Reflective – safe child on the road” campaign, by the middle of September, she will provide 1.6 million reflections with a flashing light built-in to all primary school students from grades I-III in Poland. The campaign was under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of National Education.

The police appeal to motorcyclists

The days are getting warmer – the spring is fast approaching, and thus the fans of the two wheels are already planning closer or further routes on their two-wheelers. The police are appealing to remember the safety of themselves and others.

 

Spring is a long-awaited period for lovers of two-wheelers because, with the spring aura, the motorcycle season begins. It should be remembered that many factors influence the safety of the rider. Damage to the asphalt, to the sand on the road and increased traffic, is a potential threat for lovers of two-wheelers. Just a moment of inattention, a sharp maneuver to lose control of the vehicle. The most common cause of accidents involving motorcyclists is excessive speed, failure to use traffic lights, squeezing between cars, bravado, willingness to sign off. The driver of the motorcycle at the time of the road incident most often suffers serious injuries, and in the worst scenario bears death on the spot. A motorcyclist is an unprotected participant in the road traffic, nothing else protects him from the helmet. Therefore, it is important to remember the obligation to wear a protective helmet and to wear reflective vest when riding a motorcycle. Thanks to these pieces of equipment during a fall or loss of balance on the road, injuries can be less severe.

 

Out of concern for less visible motorcyclists, we pay attention to car drivers to look more often at the mirrors. Motorcycles due to their size often move more efficiently and more dynamically, thus becoming less visible to other participants of the movement. It often happens that drivers start the overtaking maneuver without looking into the mirror. Car drivers do not realize how seemingly a simple act is of great importance in this case because one glance in a mirror can save someone’s life or health.

 

Motorcyclist, remember that public roads are not race tracks !:

 

Obey traffic rules,

 

Do not exceed speed,

 

Do not enforce priority,

 

Show limited confidence in other drivers,

 

Take care of reflective clothing that will make you more visible on the road,

 

Always clearly indicate maneuvering,

 

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can cause death or loss of driving license!

 

A protective helmet, protectors, appropriate shoes and gloves – increase your safety,

 

Safe driving on a motorcycle means that the driver always controls the vehicle – never the other way round,

 

Do not show off risky driving in front of your friends – it can cost you or someone else’s life or health!

 

We appeal to all managers who are cautious and comply with traffic regulations.

 

Every participant of the road traffic must keep in mind the safety of both himself and others.

Police use tear gas against yellow vests

In several places in France, there have been confrontations between the “gilets Jaunes” (yellow vests) and the police. Along the Seine in Paris, officers who were pelted with projectiles fired tear gas to keep demonstrators at bay.

 

That happened on a pedestrian bridge, among other things, as can be seen on images, but also at the parliament building and the d’Orsay museum. Barricades were erected and lit in a number of places. A boat restaurant also suffered. A policeman was injured on the Seine quay because a bicycle was thrown at him from above.

 

It was the eighth time that the yellow-jacketed movement proclaimed Saturday as a national protest day. Apart from the French capital, people took to the streets in, among others, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Lyon reports the newspaper Le Parisien, which also led to some disturbances.

 

The authorities estimate the turnout in all of France at 25,000, in Paris there were around 3500. The enthusiasm to demonstrate seems to be waning. At the first protest on November 17, nearly 300,000 people put themselves in yellow reflective vests.

 

Prior to the protest, the movement wrote in an open letter to President Macron that the “vests” are willing to “go much further.” Earlier this week, the figurehead of the French protest movement, Eric Drouet, was detained for a short time because of a demonstration was not allowed for.

IDEAL IN SUMMER AND WINTER: WHITE ROADS

There are already a number of reflective roads in Noord-Holland, one to be added this week. They are also trying it out in Amsterdam and Hoofddorp, and since this spring you also see them in, yes, Los Angeles. Their workers who wear reflective vests painted a special coating over the roads, making them white. It saved no less than ten degrees. Dark colors absorb light, which makes it warmer. White, on the other hand, deflect the heat. You also notice that when wearing a white or black t-shirt in the summer.

 

Heat in the city

Piet Zijlstra is an engineer and designs highways. He is responsible for the white roads in the Netherlands. Our summers are getting warmer because of climate change. Especially in cities, the temperatures can rise considerably because the heat is difficult to dissipate due to the buildings. An annoying side effect is that even more hazardous substances are emitted by cars.

 

Safe cycling

But the new roads have even more advantages. It is also much safer in the winter. Just consider: if you cycle in the dark, you are much more visible on a white road than on gray asphalt. This means that street lighting does not have to be as bright, and that also saves energy.

 

Less spectacular

The reflective roads in the Netherlands, at first sight, look less spectacular than in Los Angeles. That is because Zijlstra would rather not use the coating. According to him, it wears out much faster. He mixes the asphalt with very fine gravel, which is called crushed stone. When quite a few cars drive over it, it wears out and the white slowly appears.

Police violence against yellow vests stains the image of Macron

After the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, the UN now denounces the “excessive use of force”. More than 2,100 protesters were injured in recent months.

Stigma in the image of Emmanuel Macron in the world. International condemnations have multiplied in recent weeks due to the repression of the French police against the yellow vests. After the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, this week it was the turn of the UN. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, asked on Wednesday the French authorities to initiate a “thorough investigation” on police abuses. Although the violent incidents committed by the yellow vests who wear reflective vests filled the front pages of the press in December, another reality seems to have become a norm in France: police violence against protesters, in most cases peaceful.

The Chilean president criticized, in fact, the “excessive use of force” against the members of this singular movement of indignation. During his speech at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet referred to the situation in France at the same time he denounced the repression against demonstrators in Sudan, Zimbabwe or Haiti. A comparison that surely was to the liking of the young French president. In fact, the spokesman reacted a few hours later, being surprised by the fact of seeing France “mentioned in the same list as Venezuela and Haiti”.

However, almost four months after the start of the protests, the balance speaks for itself: 2,100 protesters and 1,400 agents of the security forces have been injured, according to the Ministry of the Interior. According to an exhaustive compilation made by the journalist David Dufresne, and published in the digital newspaper Mediapart, there have been more than 500 cases of obvious police abuses. Among them, there are 22 protesters who have lost an eye, five who have been left without a hand, 210 who suffered head injuries …

Demonstration of the strength of the French government

“Before an extraordinary social movement, the government decided to make a show of force,” he said in a statement to Público Dufresne, an expert on police violence and author of the book. “Since May 1968, we have not seen similar levels of police violence,” explains Jeremie Gauthier, professor of sociology at the University of Strasbourg and an expert on policy issues, especially the systematic use of tear gas and bullets. gum and habitual of the GLI F4 dispersion grenades, basically composed of TNT (dynamite) and considered a “weapon of war”, according to the French internal security code.

In addition, “two-thirds of the police deployed to contain the manifestations of the yellow vests were not trained in the maintenance of order,” laments Dufresne. In the tensest weeks of December, nearly 90,000 agents were deployed. What contributed to the presence of police bodies little used in this type of tasks. Since then, “Macron has maintained a martial discourse that does not encourage riot police to remain calm,” explains the journalist.

In addition to the physical injuries, some of them irreparable, the protesters “also receive insults, force them to take off their yellow vests, prevent them from taking photographs or being attacked by street medics (volunteers who take care of wounded protesters),” adds Dufresne. Recently, boosted social networks in France the case of a marriage of elderly people in Toulouse who were beaten and plated to the ground during a protest, although not even involved in the demonstration. Or that of a deputy of France Insumisa (populists of the left), Loïc Prudhomme, who was beaten with a club during the protests on 2 March in Bordeaux.

According to Dufresne, the abuses of the security forces against the yellow vests reflect the crystallization of a “change of doctrine” in the maintenance of order in France: “After the Second World War, one of the principles of the security forces did not go to the contact of the masses. But this changed in the mid-2000s, when Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister of the Interior, asked the anti-riot corps to dedicate themselves to guarantee security in the banlieues. ” These practices, common since then in the popular neighborhoods with high percentages of the population of foreign origin, “are now reproduced at the national level”, with riot officers who often go to the contact of the demonstrators.