The statistics published by the Police Headquarters, the European Transport Safety Council and PZU are shocking. Poland is still in the infamous leading country with the largest number of accidents involving children. For years, one of the most common reasons for deductions, often fatal, small pedestrians is the lack of visibility. One way to improve safety is by wearing reflective vests. When it is necessary to have them with you?
“Cat’s eyes”
Under the colloquial term “reflections” are all items that have been made of reflective material. The most commonly used reflections have the form of inserts in clothes (for example, a belt on a jacket or trousers) or easy-to-fasten key-rings or bands. As the policemen explain, reflective fabrics may be objects attached to clothing, headbands, vests, and leashes. It is important to place them: the reflectors are recommended to be placed at the level of knees, hands, around the center of the chest and back – then we will be sure that they are clearly visible to other road users.
The first reflections appeared on the roads in Great Britain before the Second World War. Their inventor was the owner of a road repair company – Percy Shaw. Apparently, to create a gadget that will save an infinite number of pedestrians over the next few years, Shaw was inspired by the cat. Coming from the night, Percy almost hit the path of a four-footed dog. The roofer was rescued by the fact that the driver saw his glowing eyes in the dark at the last moment. The event inspired the entrepreneur to create a reflective element that would improve safety on an unlit road. At the beginning of 1934, the Show developed “cat’s eyes”. They were 4 glass reflecting beads, mounted in a rubber housing, placed in a cast iron dome. “Cat’s eyes” were not worn by pedestrians, but placed on the road, but their creation gave impetus to the creation of later reflections for pedestrians.
Wearing legally regulated
Although in Poland the need to wear reflectors has been said since the 90s, it was only recently that having reflective elements became mandatory.
Pursuant to the amendment of 30 August 2013 of the Road Traffic Act, all pedestrians, irrespective of their age or height, driving along roads outside of built-up areas at dusk, must have reflective elements. Before the change from five years ago, this obligation concerned only children who were under the age of 15.
Do we always have reflections outside built-up areas? Theoretically not. According to the letter of the law, when walking on the sidewalk, the road intended only for pedestrians or in the area of residence, we are not threatened (no more than three thousand zlotys) by a lack of reflection. Nevertheless, experts recommend having reflective elements. Even during the day, pedestrian columns must be marked with reflections (in the column with a length exceeding 20 m going to the left in the front and at the back are obliged to use reflective elements, in addition, those walking on the left are obliged to carry additional flashlights with white light) or road builders.