It is an essential element in the car; So much so that if you don’t wear it you can be fined. Still, some doubt its effectiveness or do not use it when it should. Perhaps this tweet from the DGT will convince the disbelievers that the reflective vest should always be used.
Not wearing a reflective vest (yours is one for each passenger) or not using it when an accident, a breakdown, or any other emergency forces you to get out of the vehicle in the middle of the road is a minor infraction sanctioned with an economic fine of 200 euros.
Why you should always use the reflective vest
Through its Twitter account, the Civil Guard launches messages to make drivers aware of the importance of respecting traffic regulations. The last one (for now) explains why the reflective vest is such an important item. The key is in the need to be seen by other users:
The reflective vest allows the driver who gets out of the vehicle after having suffered an accident or breakdown to be seen by other drivers to reduce the risk of being hit.
The importance of this element is measured in meters:
without a vest or the driver who gets out of his car is not discovered until the vehicle that circulates correctly on the road is not less than 20 meters
with vest, this distance increases up to 150 meters
How to use the reflective vest correctly
It is essential to put on the vest before getting out of the vehicle. Carrying it in the trunk is a mistake because it assumes that the driver has to walk a few meters to access it.
Nor can any reflective vest be worn. In the car you must carry one approved according to the requirements of Royal Decree 1407/1992, which establishes that it can be yellow, orange, or red, its reflective bands must not be less than 5 cm wide and must surround the entire contour of the body.