Reflective elements can save lives. The time has come when pedestrians and cyclists should think twice about it. Under low visibility, typical of autumn and winter months, they are much more vulnerable when on the road and should never count on drivers to see them in time. They should be equipped with reflective elements for increased safety. The obligation to use them is determined by legislation.
Under the Road Traffic Act, visibility is not only reduced in darkness but is a situation where drivers and other road users are unable to identify vehicles, people or other objects on the road sufficiently. This means that wearing reflective accessories is not enough in the dark. Pedestrians and cyclists should also fasten them in case of fog, heavy snowfall or dusk.
The legislation does not precisely specify how the reflexive supplement should look and where it should be located. “The reflective accessory that makes a pedestrian or cyclist visible should be at least the size of a reflective tape placed on the wrist or ankle. It is best to place the limbs closer to the center of the road so that the highlight is visible to the driver from both directions,” explains Jan Polák for the Road Safety Team. In poor visibility, drivers most perceive pedestrians with reflective accessories placed on moving parts of the body.
Particular attention should be paid to motorists in traffic by children. Child traffic is the most vulnerable group in daylight. Also, they can blend in with the surroundings more than an adult in poor visibility, especially between parked vehicles, pedestrian crossings or roadside. “In the following autumn and winter months, children will go to and from school or clubs in the dark or dark. Parents should think about their safety and equip their children with reflective elements. The fluorescent accessories and reflective fabrics in the form of patches can also be improved on clothing, briefcases, backpacks, etc.,” adds Zuzana Pidrmanová, Head of the Prevention Department of the Police Presidium of the Czech Republic.
The importance of the use of reflective accessories is also highlighted by the current issue of the magazine Strestenov, which was created under the auspices of Margaret’s traffic education. Members of the Road Safety Team take him to school to talk to them about safe road behavior. “There is a large selection of reflective materials and accessories on the market. Some are already included in clothing, school briefcases, and backpacks. Children can also be seen by reflective laces, they can clip various pendants, belts or school bag covers. There are several possibilities. In our lessons, we try to explain to them that reflective material is not a shame, and it is important to have it. They depend on which option they choose,” adds Marketa Novotna, a traffic education methodology.