Month: May 2018

Reflective vests make children more visible

Nearly two hundred people, students, and employees of the Primary School in Stone established reflective vests and created the “Reflective Stone” inscription as part of the promotion of an important idea, which will now be assessed by the police and the school board.

 

In this way, they want to draw the attention of all pedestrians and especially students to the need to put reflective material. Autumn is a specific period. The dark falls quickly, often fog or rain. All this limits visibility. Reflective vests make us more visible and therefore more secure.

 

The action is related to the participation of the school in the eighth edition of the Malagasy Competition “Reflective School.” The Małopolska Provincial Road Safety Council, Road Traffic Department of the Voivodeship Police Headquarters and the Małopolska Board of Education in Krakow organize the competition. The competition is getting more and more difficult because the prizes are getting more and more valuable. Last year, the winning school won PLN 12,000.

The obligation to wear reflective vests was passed

MEPs adopted a draft law that would impose new obligations on pedestrians. It is about ordering to wear hi vis vests after dark. Pedestrians who do not comply with the order will face a fine.

 

According to data from the Central Police Headquarters, in 2012 there were 10.3 thousand accidents involving pedestrians. 1167 people died in them. Although the vast majority of such events take place at pedestrian crossings and intersections, a great danger is associated with the movement of pedestrians on roadsides in an undeveloped area. At night, it is virtually impossible to see a pedestrian on time, which is not wearing reflective elements. In 2012, there were 447 accidents, and 59 people died in them. There are many indications that soon there will be fewer such events. SLD deputies prepared a draft regulation that imposed the obligation to wear a reflective vest on pedestrians moving after dark outside the built-up area along roads where there is no sidewalk.

 

Why is it so important? Pedestrian, walking after dark without reflective clothing, is visible from a distance of only 20-30 meters. If the driver travels at 90 km / h, he travels 25 meters in a second. It does not give you any chance of any reaction. However, if the pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element, the driver will notice it from a distance of 130-150 meters and will not have any problems avoiding it.

 

SLD deputies wanted the new law to promote safe behavior instead of becoming a whip on pedestrians, which is why they did not foresee penalties for ignoring the requirement to wear reflective vests. Paradoxically, however, it can turn against a pedestrian. As informs, the police intend to enforce the provisions on general principles, and pursuant to art. 79 of the Code of Misdemeanors, a traffic participant who breaks the other provisions of the Highway Code or issued based on it, may be fined up to PLN 3,000. Of course, it is impossible to suspect that this will be a standard punishment for ignoring the requirement to wear a vest, but its amount will be discretionary and it will depend on the decision of the police officer how much we will receive.

 

It is also worth looking at the issue of adjudging blame for road accidents involving pedestrians. If the obligation to wear a reflective vest has been passed, the guilt or co-payment for the accident may be charged to a pedestrian who will ignore the order and be struck. However, if the deduction is made at the side of the illuminated road, the lack of flares will not matter to the police. The insurer to lower the value of the compensation paid to the deducted pedestrian, however, can use this circumstance.

The police are calling for caution on the road

Deteriorating road conditions require more caution and increased concentration from drivers. Police officers call for caution on road at night, wearing a reflective clothing to keep visible will be good for your safe.

 

Slippery surfaces, fogs, rainfall, or local snowfall means that drivers should take their feet off the gas. In these conditions, the visibility drops and the braking distance is significantly longer. That is why it is so important to adjust the speed to the prevailing conditions and check the technical condition of your car. Changing tires, checking the condition of the wipers, lights and braking system should be mandatory activities that we will perform before winter. It is very important to take care of the appropriate field of view. Remember to clean the glass and mirrors of our car from ice and other dirt.

 

A special appeal is made by the police officers to pedestrians not to go directly in front of an oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, you must first make sure that the driver will manage to slow down. Every pedestrian should also remember about his safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, key chain, headband, or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming driver when moving on a poorly lit road.

 

The police remind you of the obligation to use reflective elements by pedestrians traveling on roads outside the built-up area – the use of reflective material improves visibility and thus safety.

Be visible be safe

Reflective vests facilitating the safety of the road went to a dozen or so Poleis schools. This is an action organized by Stokowski, operating under the name of one of the largest agricultural machinery manufacturers in the province.

 

We called our action quite eloquently. Her motto is “Be visible – be safe.” In this way, we wanted to emphasize and at the same time to make children and young people aware of the importance of road safety – says Paula, the owner of the Metal-Foch Store. A new school year began a few days ago. The autumn-winter period is inexorably approaching. Unfortunately, police statistics leave no shadow of a doubt. It is at this time that more accidents involving pedestrians occur.

 

Moving on an unlit road without any reflective material, we are virtually invisible to the drivers. The driver has a chance to see such a person only from a distance of about 20-30 meters. It is definitely not enough to avoid it or stop it. The reflective vest makes the roadside notice noticeably earlier – even from a distance of 150 meters. This gives drivers the opportunity to perform safe maneuvers.

 

Another example of using vests is school trips, even if they take place during the day. This way of naming children has a positive effect on the safety of the little ones, especially in winter when it is gray.

 

That is why we organized the September campaign in schools. We have handed over a pack of 25 vests to schools. In this way, we wanted to draw students’ attention to the fact that road safety is very important. We encourage you to wear this type of elements, including adults. This is all about our health and even life – adds Paula.

Police officers will have new reflective tactical vests

The police officers themselves designed the reflective vests. The police officers from the Koln command will receive new reflective tactical vests. The purchase of a new pattern of tactical vests was dictated by the unification of the color of uniforms. Previously, other police officers themselves designed how a hi vis vest should look like and how the pockets will be placed on it.

 

The reference to the experience of officers as users of this type of uniforms resulted in the creation of a design that meets the expectations of a police officer performing both patrol and road services, is also in line with the ordinance regarding uniforms of police officers.

 

The purchase of handed tactical safety vests and other equipment for the needs of the service was possible thanks to financial resources transferred from the Sacristy, the city of Koln and the following communes.

It is worth taking care of other safety items

On Saturday, April 28, the long May weekend began, it was a period of increased work for the police officers. Many people will use upcoming days for family trips and leisure outside of their place of residence. When driving, always obey traffic regulations and never get behind the wheel after drinking. Road safety depends primarily on the drivers themselves, which is why police officers are already calling for prudence. Police actions will be adequate to the existing threats, but on the other hand, they will be primarily directed at providing far-reaching assistance to all road users in safely reaching their destination.

 

Police officers will look after the safety of all road users – drivers and pedestrians. Numerous police inspections that will be carried out on Polish roads have one main goal – that all motorists who go on a “picnic” will come back from it with only positive impressions – safely, whole and healthy.

 

If you are planning a car trip, let us check its technical condition, lighting settings and equipment beforehand. Mandatory in the car should be a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle with homologations, but it is also worth taking care of other items, such as a first-aid kit or a reflective vest.

 

We remind you that at any time we can check the sobriety in every Police unit. Due to the increased traffic on the roads, it is worth getting ready earlier and thinking about alternative roads. Thanks to this, in the case of obstructions on the road, caused by construction or traffic incident, they will be able to go a different way.

 

Before leaving, let us also think about properly securing an apartment or house. Let’s check whether all the doors and windows (including basement and roof) have been closed. Let us also remember about securing the garage and utility rooms and closing the valves with water and gas. Let us consider whether cash and jewelry during our trip will not be safer on your account or in a bank deposit box than at home.

 

Let us ask a trusted person to look after the apartment during our absence, leaving her with a telephone number where she can contact us at any time. During a longer absence, it is worth ensuring that more mail is not stored in our mailbox, which is a signal to the potential thief that the flat or house is empty. Timers are a good solution, thanks to which, at different times of the day, the light turns on in the apartment, which creates the appearance of the presence of household members.

 

During meetings with friends in the open air, remember that according to Polish law, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places, such as streets, squares, and parks, unless there are places designated for its consumption, such as restaurant gardens. We should take extra care to avoid unplanned bathing, which at the current water temperature can be very dangerous. Let us pay attention especially to children playing on the shore. Sailing on a boat, canoe, water bicycle or a sailboat, let us check their technical condition; make sure that the unit is equipped with an efficient life-saving equipment such as a wheel and life jackets. Before leaving, let us inform your relatives about the expected time of return.

 

During the long May weekend, police officers in safety clothing will be watching over our security, but safe rest depends largely on ourselves. In a world that reigns with constant stress, haste and excess of both domestic and professional duties, let us slow down a little, and certainly with our families we will reach the goal whole and healthy.

The approach to the issue of road safety

Police carries out a nationwide campaign entitled safely to the goal”, which aims to draw the attention of users of motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles on the most important aspects of safety and shaping the right attitudes and behaviors.

The growing number of bicycles on Polish roads changes the approach to the issue of road safety, taking into account the specificity of this group. Accidents involving two-wheelers are a big problem as they have serious consequences. Hence, for many years, various activities have been undertaken to reduce the number of accidents with their participation, and hence to reduce the number of injured people.

Cyclists’ safety is significantly influenced by their traffic behavior, compliance with traffic regulations, but also by a properly equipped bicycle.

Mandatory equipment for a bicycle:
– a lamp with white or selective yellow light, placed at the front,
– an audible signal in a discrete tone,
– a lamp with a red light placed at the back (it can be a flashing light),
– red reflector light at the rear in a shape other than a triangle,
– at least one effectively operating brake: hand or foot.

Turning on the lighting applies to the cyclist in conditions of poor visibility, when dusk falls, is night or visibility is limited due to atmospheric conditions such as fog. The lights should also be switched on when driving in a tunnel.

Currently, there are no provisions regarding safety helmets or reflective vests in the bicycle traffic regulations. Remember, however, that wearing a helmet protects the head – the part of the body most vulnerable to injuries. The reflective vest, reflective braces, bands make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in difficult weather conditions. A cyclist is required to use the bike path or bike lane if they are designated for the direction in which he is moving or intending to turn. The driver of the bicycle using the road for bicycles and pedestrians is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians.

Cyclist can go on the sidewalk or on the way for pedestrians exceptionally when:
– takes care of a person under the age of 10 driving a bicycle;
– the width of the sidewalk along the road, where traffic is allowed at a speed greater than 50 km / h, is at least 2 m and lacks a separate road for bicycles and lane for bicycles,
– weather conditions threaten the safety of the cyclist on the road (snow, strong wind, downpour, dense fog).

The driver of a bicycle, using a pavement or a pedestrian road, is obliged to drive slowly, take special care, and give way to pedestrians. The cyclist is obliged to get off the bike and carry him out after crossing the pedestrian if he wants to cross it. The situation is completely different when there is a bicycle crossing next to the pedestrian lanes. In this case, the cyclist does not have to get off the bike.

Children under 10 years of age can independently ride a bicycle under the care of an adult. The cyclist can ride a bicycle on the sidewalk when he looks after a person under the age of 10 driving a bicycle. A child up to 7 years of age can be transported on a bicycle, provided it is placed on an additional saddle ensuring safe driving. Cyclists are unprotected road users that mean they are not protected by personal technical means, such as an airbag or seat safety belts, and when in contact with a car, at high collision speed, they are seriously injured or even killed.

For the sake of their own safety, cyclists should remember that when crossing the road after a designated crossing they are obliged to apply the special precaution. First, reduce the speed so that the driver of the car, especially turning in the transverse road, has a chance to see the cyclist in advance and react accordingly.

Bikers underestimate reflective material and clothing

Blow strong engines, acceleration from zero to a hundred kilometers in a few seconds. The motorcycle is for someone adrenaline, for another lifestyle. However, for those who do not follow certain rules for road safety, such an unreasonable ride can become life. Every year, there are dozens of people on the road will never come home again. So how do you survive this year’s biking season, which is already in full swing? On this topic, on Friday, April 6, the Motor basil event was celebrated in the slaughterers’ beside where they talked to the public about the word taken.

 

Fortunately, the accident is declining every year. At least that is the result of police statistics. “We are below the level of 1969 in terms of fatal injuries,” said Aloes, Regional Commissioner of Slim Regional Police. According to him, this is due to not only significant prevention but also to better medical care and the increasing safety features of cars or motorcycles. “Nevertheless, we have one death of a biker injury this year,” Bubal said. Among the most risky categories are especially young people, who often underwrite their strength. “It’s just a small impact, and it can also be fatal,” the commissioner explained.

 

However, compliance with rules or speed is not always enough. “People still underestimate safety features, especially when driving virtually anything and especially at short distances,” Zeppelin regional coordinator Bezique, warned. According to him, it is enough for a small thing. Have a reflective tape on his clothes. Underestimation of special clothing is another problem that some bikers underestimate. On a strong machine, it is certainly not normal pants. “Jeans, if they are not special, will definitely not bump the biker during the fall,” said the bicycle manufacturer Libor.

 

In addition to the helmet, which should be a matter of course for everybody, the bikers should also focus on other parts of their body. “The most common falls are on knees, hips, shoulders, and shins. The sticks should be protected by certified protectors, “the manufacturer explained. An integral part of proper equipment should be quality boots that will strengthen your ankle.

 

In addition, if the rider has such equipment, he can go to the legendary Route 66 road to the US, as do traveler Jurassic. He also came to the biker to familiarize himself with this legendary way and outline the habits of American drivers. In addition, for the biker there is another attraction. “There is no need for a helmet in some countries, but safety vest,” Jurassic explained. Therefore, whoever likes the wind blowing in his hair can boldly make his way. It just wants a little bit of it. Such a one-bike design, which Harley Davidson will lend, will cost for a fortnight for a hundred thousand crowns. By car, it is considerably cheaper. That is half.

The police gave reflectors to cyclists and pedestrians

In spite of the bad weather on Wednesday, police officers in safety vest went to the streets of the county metropolis to point out the danger to cyclists and pedestrians in reduced visibility.

 

“This is a preventative action when we and cyclist from BESIP address bikers and pedestrians. They will take some valuable advice on how to protect themselves and get a quick-release reflective tape, “said Lena, a spokesman for the Hradec Police.

 

In addition, how should traffic be protected? Use reflective and fluorescent materials and combine them so that you can see them in the dark even in the dark. Reflective objects are best positioned at the end of the sleeves, close to the knees and to the waist level. Cyclists also need to wear on helmet and bicycle. Children wear clothes, school bags, and accessories provided with reflective material.