stellaqi, Author at Reflective tape

Equipment for your car: is it worth buying in action or not?

Surely you know that when you buy a car, you have not quite won yet. To drive safely and be prepared for any problems you may encounter, you also need a few other things, whether in the car itself or home in the garage. What accessories are they and how much will they cost you?

Storage, maintenance, and safe and comfortable driving

The needs for drivers could be divided into several groups. The first of these are the ones that are important for your safe and trouble-free driving. This mainly includes mandatory equipment, ie a spare wheel, a set for its replacement, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, and a reflective vest.

If any of these items are missing from your car, you should purchase them immediately. Not only would you not have everything you need to secure your car and possibly injured people in the event of an accident, but you would be fined for a police check.

As for the mentioned vest, it is definitely worth having at least two pieces in the car, one for the driver and the other for the passenger. It can be assumed that when you need an emergency stop, it will not wait for you all the time in the car. As you can see in the table below, where we compare the prices of various car accessories, it will cost you a few crowns, whether you buy it in action or not.

In addition to the basic needs included in the mandatory equipment, it also pays to carry a tow rope. All you have to do is forget to turn off the lights or just close the door incorrectly and the battery will be completely discharged in a few hours. How do you start then? Probably hard on their own, so someone will have to stretch you to get your engine off. And without a tow rope, it would be really hard for you. Again, this is not an expensive affair that can pull you out of a real mess.

If your battery does not have time to charge on the way home or runs out overnight when you park in the garage or front of the house, you will also need a car battery charger. Of course, you don’t have to take it with you, just store it somewhere in a closet at home, and when needed, just remove the car battery and let it charge at home. Here, it is worth watching the event, as the table above shows, you can save several hundred thanks to them.

You can then use them, for example, to ensure comfort in the car as well. This brings us to the second group of car equipment, which are things that make driving more enjoyable. It can be, for example, the mentioned phone stand, with which you will be able to use the navigation or play music much better. If you suffer from cleaning, you can’t do without a hand-held vacuum cleaner in the car, with which you can vacuum all the crumbs in a few seconds.

The last group of things worth thinking about is the ones that make it easier for you to store all the things you need as a car owner but don’t use them all the time. By this, we mean not only the case where you store the washer fluid, the rest of the engine oil, the preparations for the treatment of the dashboard, or the broom and scraper for ice and snow. But also a tire stand – winter or summer tires still need their place, while they wait half a year for you to put them on again.

Don’t forget your pets either!

If you have a pet and you are carrying it in your car, you have to think of a few other things. In this case, you will also need a seat belt for your four-legged friend and also a blanket to protect your upholstery. The best are special animal blankets, which have a waterproof layer on the underside – this is exactly what Kaufland offers a leaflet for a special price, along with other handy things for dogs and cats.

What you have to consider when traveling by car, camper, and bike

Different countries, different regulations: if you explore Europe in your vehicle, you have to pay attention to a few things. The tips for traveling in the car, camper, and on the bike.

Social distancing cannot always be observed in public transport. It is also sometimes difficult to follow the rules on a plane or when traveling by coach. Those who still do not want to do without their vacation abroad in times of Corona should not infrequently travel by car.

However, if you want to turn your back on Switzerland during the holiday season, you should consider a few things. The following applies: Different countries, different regulations. Before crossing the border, all necessary precautions should be taken. Only those who stick to the regulations can avoid unpleasant surprises. You will find what you have to pay attention to where in the following tips from the TCS.

Travel by car

The CH sticker and the breakdown triangle must not be forgotten when traveling abroad. Both of them on board ensure a carefree journey across Europe.

A safety vest is also essential. It must be worn on Italian and French roads in the event of a breakdown.

First aid kits must be carried with you in Austria and Italy.

Some cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic also require an environmental sticker. This is available from TCS.

It can also be stranger: In Greece, Poland, or Latvia a fire extinguisher is compulsory.

Trips by camper or caravan

In principle, the above rules also apply to campers and caravans. Depending on the country, additional regulations must be observed when driving larger vehicles.

Anyone with a category B driver’s license is authorized to drive a camper with a weight of up to 3.5 tons. He is also allowed to sit behind the wheel of a minibus with a maximum of 9 seats and a trailer weighing 750 kg. Anyone who owns a larger vehicle needs a category C, D, or higher driver’s license.

There are also a few things to consider when it comes to accommodation. The spaces allowed for motorhomes and caravans are strictly regulated in Europe. Only in Sweden is wild camping allowed throughout the country.

Anyone driving through Italy must equip a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons with reflective speed vignettes. These indicate the maximum speed on the motorways (80 km / h) on the right-hand side and the maximum speed outside the city (70 km / h) on the left.

Motorcycling

A motorcycle crossing the Swiss border must have a CH sticker.

A safety vest must be worn in the event of a breakdown in Austria on the edge of a motorway or an expressway and France on all roads.

First aid kits and a safety vest according to the European standard EN 471 are mandatory for motorcyclists in Slovenia or Lithuania. In Sweden, this accessory is only recommended, in the Czech Republic only the first aid kit is compulsory.

If you are planning a family vacation or have a passenger with you for other reasons, you have to consider the age of the respective person. In several European countries, for example, children are only allowed to take them with them from the age of 5 and in a specially designed seat. A normal passenger seat is allowed for children who are the necessary size to be able to sit on it correctly. In Luxembourg, the person in the passenger seat must be at least 12 years old.

According to Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) is recommended in all cases, wearing a full-face helmet and special Motoradbekleidung with integrated protective reinforcements.

Bike rides

As in Switzerland, most other European countries recommend wearing a helmet. However, there is only an obligation to do so in Spain, Austria, and France. In the inner cities of Spain, it is compulsory for all drivers up to 16 years of age. Outside of built-up areas, helmets are compulsory in Spain for all cyclists. In Austria and France, the obligation applies to all children up to the age of 12. If you drive a faster e-bike, which must in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, France, and Austria helmet wear.

In many countries, in addition to the usual correct lighting, reflectors are also mandatory to be able to guarantee additional protection. This applies to all drivers in Germany, Belgium, and France. In Hungary, the Netherlands, and France, a luminous vest must also be worn when visibility is poor.

E-bike riders who have a child with them are not allowed to consume alcohol (0.0 ‰).

How does the TCS assess the situation?

The Touring Club Switzerland is not yet able to give an exact forecast of how many Swiss people will travel by car. “At the moment it is still too early to take stock. What can be said for sure is that, for example, TCS campings have 50-70% more bookings from within Germany this year, ”says TCS media spokeswoman Sarah Wahlen.

Because many will spend their holidays in Switzerland, it is to be expected that there will be more local traffic congestion at excursion destinations, writes the TCS in a press release. The motorway sections Zurich-Winterthur, Flums-San Bernardino, and Morges-Lausanne are particularly affected. Due to the changed entry regulations, there could also be brief traffic jams at the Swiss borders.

The current prevailing situation preoccupied the Swiss population. “There is a tendency for more inquiries to come in during vacation times. And it is clear that the inquiries are partly shaped by the concerns of the population about Corona,” says Sarah Wahlen.

In addition to domestic holidays, trips to Germany also appear to be extremely popular this year. The ADAC evaluated the route plans of the members between January and May 2020. It was noticeable that this year 48.5 percent of the inquiries concerned routes in Germany.

Mandatory car equipment. What’s on the list?

The list of mandatory equipment for a car registered in Poland is not too long. The penalty for any shortcomings, however, turns out to be the most serious. Drivers face a fine of up to PLN 500!

Polish regulations do not impose prohibitive requirements on drivers. So what is the mandatory equipment for the car? According to the ordinance of the Minister of Infrastructure, this consists of two elements, i.e. a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. In the case of a fire extinguisher, it is important that it has an ABC type and a content of the extinguishing agent of at least 1 kg, and that it is approved and placed in an easily accessible place. An interesting fact is that Polish regulations do not mention the validity of a fire extinguisher. Thus, the expiry of the approval date does not prevent the driver from fulfilling his obligation.

No fire extinguisher or triangle? A fine of up to PLN 500!

Mandatory equipment means that the driver may be fined for deficiencies. How much is the penalty? The ticket tariff indicates that the driver may be fined from PLN 20 to PLN 500 for the lack of a fire extinguisher or warning triangle. The final amount of the card is determined at the discretion of the policeman. And the consequences don’t end there. Because the leader is exposed to a fine also in a situation where the fire extinguisher is not in an easily accessible place. In addition, deficiencies in the mandatory equipment of the vehicle may have a problem with the extension of the validity of the technical examination during the inspection at the SKP.

The obligatory equipment of a car in Poland is rather … symbolic. It is therefore worth considering what else should be in the vehicle. What is worth buying? For example, a first aid kit. This should include a bandage and plasters with a dressing, protective gloves, disinfectant, a tourniquet, a heat-insulating blanket, a triangular scarf, or a mouthpiece for artificial respiration. In addition, the driver has to think about carrying a reflective vest in the car. This will improve its safety level in the event of a car breakdown after dark. The driver will be visible to other road users while walking around the damaged vehicle.

Mandatory car equipment. In the EU, the list can go on!

Polish regulations are not very restrictive in the case of mandatory vehicle equipment. However, we are not the only exception in Europe. For example, in Portugal, a car must have a warning triangle and a reflective vest, and in Great Britain only a warning triangle. Of course, there are also cases with much more restrictive regulations. And our neighbors – the Slovaks – come to the fore in this matter. Vehicles registered in Slovakia must have a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a triangle, a set of spare bulbs and fuses, a vest, a spare wheel, and a tow rope. And almost the same long list applies in the Czech Republic or Spain.

Is the driver obliged to show the reflective vest to the inspector?

For three years now, a new safety requirement has appeared in the traffic rules. This is, of course, a reflective vest. Some motorists immediately bought these vests and put them in the car. And some motorists never got around to getting them. But do you need such a vest in the car all the time? And does the inspector have the right to demand to show a reflective vest?

First of all, it should be understood that the rules clearly state when exactly a reflective vest is needed:

an emergency stop was made on the side of the road outside the settlement;

it is dark, or visibility is limited.

That is, you should wear a reflective vest only if all of the above conditions are met. In this case, if there is no vest, you will be fined 500 rubles (Article 12.29 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation). If an accident occurs, the fine will increase to 1,000 rubles (Article 12.27 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation).

At the same time, the rules do not require the constant presence of a reflective vest in the car. Therefore, the inspector has no right to demand to show it.

Do you have a reflective vest in your car? Share your arguments in the comments.

“Make yourself visible”

A short moment is enough to have fatal consequences. Those who do not make themselves visible in the dark endanger their life.

Or, as happened on the evening of November 18 in Ahlsen-Reineberg, it can have dire consequences. At that time there was a head-on collision between two cars on Ahlsener Strasse after an Audi driver avoided a jogger running on the right side of the road and ran into oncoming traffic. The recreational athlete did not wear reflectors on his clothing. “We are not aware of any other accidents in this autumn/winter season that can be traced back to a lack of visibility. That is gratifying and we want to hope that it stays that way,” said district police spokesman Ralf Steinmeyer in an interview with this newspaper.

He noted that citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers, especially in the dark season, and that the streetscape is increasingly characterized by people who, for example, wear safety vests and are equipped with reflective material. According to his subjective perception, this was still different five or six years ago. The corresponding policy campaigns fall on fertile ground, although, as can be seen in the accident in Ahlsen, the common sense of the weaker road users cannot be appealed to often enough. Especially since this autumn/winter, due to the corona, the actions under the motto “Visibility brings safety” by the police in the municipalities in Altkreis had to be canceled.

Road safety advisor and police chief inspector Klaus Torno have been on the road for the campaign since 2013. “The reason for the start was a series of accidents that year that resulted in the death of seven pedestrians in six weeks.” Also in his perception, “an awful lot has happened”. Whether old or young, quite a few can be seen in traffic in the dark with safety vests.

“Make yourself visible,” says Torno. And that doesn’t just apply to what is worn on the body. “Rollators, umbrellas, we’ve put stickers on everything.” The campaign was very well received every year. Joggers can use special vests that are more breathable than conventional ones. “You don’t sweat under it while running.” The diverse range also includes throws. However, attention must be paid to additional reflectors.

“It is important to be recognizable from afar from all sides. If you stand to the side of the street, something should light up there too, ”advises the expert. The safety vest must also be increased. The standard version would only have two reflective chest rings. For pedestrians and especially children with their small body size, however, it is crucial to trace the body contours that are reflected as a light reflex for the driver or cyclist. This can be achieved with reflector click tapes, which should also be used. Just click around your arm and leg and be seen better immediately. “This is also called the ‘body language concept’,” says Klaus Torno.

The traffic safety advisor regrets that the ADAC has stopped distributing safety vests free of charge to all school beginners for reasons of cost. “That was a great part.” He recommends parents not to buy the cheapest version of the vest for their children, but rather to focus on quality.

The expert also has tips ready for the older generation. A rollator can be equipped with lighting set in addition to the reflective material. “That directs the driver’s attention very well and early on to the respective person.” Seniors in particular have an immensely high risk of injury, accidents generally have worse effects and the injured elderly person’s regeneration is much slower. Of course, it is also important for cyclists to be seen, but also to recognize passers-by in good time. Some older bicycle models only have a “funzel” instead of a reasonable lamp, which then reacts worse to the reflectors.

Klaus Torno remembers two fatal accidents in 2013, one in Bad Oeynhausen, the other in Hille. While in one case a passer-by was fatally carried by a shopping trolley that was hit by a car and carried her away, in the other case it was a woman who simply put her garbage can (“This can also be made recognizable”) on the street wanted to bring. That brief moment was enough to be overlooked.

Safe cyclist – we remind you of the basic rules

Many factors affect the safety of cyclists, ranging from the time of day and weather conditions. However, the most important thing is the behavior of the cyclists themselves, especially respecting the applicable rules and regulations of the road and the ability to anticipate dangerous situations. The behavior of other road users towards cyclists is equally important.

Mandatory bicycle equipment:

at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position lamp (there may be a flashing light),

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector of a shape other than a triangle and at least one red position lamp,

at least one effective brake,

a bell or other warning signal with a non-piercing sound.

The cyclist is obliged to:

use a cycle path or a bicycle lane if it is marked for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn,

exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians when it moves along the path for bicycles and pedestrians.

If there is no road intended specifically for cyclists or it cannot be used e.g. due to road works, then the rider should move along the roadside, and if it is not suitable for driving – along the road (as close to the right edge as possible).

The law prohibits the use of bicycles on expressways and highways.

A cyclist may use the footpath or footpath when:

looks after a bicycle driver up to 10 years old,

the width of the sidewalk along the road, on which vehicle traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 50 km / h, is at least 2 meters and there is no separate path for bicycles and a lane for bicycles,

weather conditions threaten the safety of the cyclist on the road (snow, strong wind, downpour, black ice, or dense fog).

When using the sidewalk or pedestrian path, the driver is obliged to drive slowly, exercise particular care, and give way to pedestrians.

With a child on a bicycle

Children under the age of 10 may ride a bike only under adult supervision.

A child up to 7 years of age may be transported on a bicycle, provided that it is placed on an additional seat ensuring safe riding. It is allowed to transport a child in a bicycle trailer.

Only a person over 17 years of age may transport a child on a bicycle or in a bicycle trailer.

Cyclist and pedestrian crossing

When approaching a pedestrian crossing, a cyclist is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to a pedestrian on the crossing.

Like any other rider, a cyclist is prohibited from:

overtaking a vehicle at and directly in front of a pedestrian crossing, except for the crossing on which traffic is directed,

avoid a vehicle that was driving in the same direction, but stopped to give way to a pedestrian,

driving along the pedestrian crossing.

The cyclist is obliged to obey the following prohibitions:

ride on the road next to another road user (exceptionally, driving a bicycle on the road next to another bicycle or moped is allowed, if it does not hinder the movement of other road users or otherwise does not endanger the safety of road traffic),

clinging to vehicles,

driving without keeping at least one hand on the steering wheel and feet on the pedals,

driving a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or alcohol or something similar to alcohol,

using a telephone that requires a handset or microphone to be held while driving.

Cyclists take care of your safety!

The bicycle traffic regulations do not require the use of protective helmets and reflective elements. However, it should be taken into account that the helmet protects the head – the part of the body most vulnerable to injury. On the other hand, a reflective vest, reflective harness, and bands make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in difficult weather conditions.

Why you should always wear the reflective vest

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.

New project: safety vests for children to borrow

The fire department and the traffic guards are starting a new project on road safety: kindergartens in East Friesland are given safety vests that they can lend to children. The institutions must report now.

Aurich – The dark season has begun – the difficult lighting conditions make it more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in traffic. Since children are particularly at risk, the Ostfriesische Verkehrswachten and the Ostfriesische Landschaftliche Brandkasse are starting a new project: 318 kindergartens in Ostfriesland are called upon to report their need for safety vests for children under six years of age. The fire fund provides 2000 vests with reflective stripes for this purpose. They can be borrowed. That comes from a press release.

“We know that there are still children who move ‘invisibly’ in the twilight and darkness in traffic,” reports Hajo Reershemius, regional representative of the East Frisian traffic guards. Because their field of vision is limited compared to adults, children are particularly at risk, he explains. And: With dark clothing, people can only be seen from a distance of 25 meters. With light-colored clothing, it is already 40 meters, with reflective clothing even around 140 meters. Reershemius: “At 50 km / h, the stopping distance is around 30 meters, which is not enough to stop in front of the pedestrian! This is where our idea comes in: There should be lending vests at as many of the 381 East Frisian kindergartens as possible.”

Traffic guards distribute the west

“Of course we are aware that the demand will be significantly greater than our project allows, but we just want to set positive signals and try something new with the ‘pool character'”, says Signe Foetzki, press spokeswoman for the Brandkasse Communication cited. “This time, our motivation in terms of prevention is also based on social issues,” she says. Since there is, unfortunately, no guarantee that every child already has their vest, the Brandkasse 2000 bought different sizes. One of these is to be made available to the local kindergartens so that the institutions can lend the vests to children if necessary.

According to the press release, 53 children under the age of six were involved in accidents last year – 20 fewer than in 2017. “Of the 53 accidents, six were bicycle accidents and eight were pedestrian accidents. Most accidents occur with the little ones as passengers in cars. For us, this means that the children move ‘relatively safely’ in traffic or are very well looked after here. But what is and remains important: signal colors on clothing ensure safety during the day, regardless of whether it is red, yellow, or orange. And in the dark, the reflective strips make it much easier to see,” says Hans-Friedel Walther, Chairman of the Aurich traffic watch. Attention was paid to the procurement of the new vests.

Do you ride a bicycle? Check if you have the obligatory equipment

Anyone who uses a bicycle on the road should know that a bicycle, like a car or any other vehicle, must meet safety requirements. It should be operational and have obligatory equipment, which should be taken into account, preferably at the stage of buying the bicycle.

Under the Road Traffic Act: a vehicle participating in traffic is to be built, equipped, and maintained in such a way that its use does not endanger the safety of its occupants or other road users, does not violate the traffic order on the road, and does not expose anyone to harm.

The bicycle should be equipped with:

at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position light (maybe flashing);

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector not triangular in shape and at least one red position lamp (maybe flashing);

at least one effective brake;

with a bell or other warning signal with a non-piercing sound.

The bicycle can be equipped with:

at the front – white reflective light;

on wheels – car yellow reflectors (at least one per wheel);

on pedals – yellow reflective lights;

Continuous ring-shaped reflective stripe on both sides of the tire, or continuous ring-shaped reflective elements on the side surfaces of the wheels.

A cyclist from dusk to dawn or in a tunnel is obliged to use lights that are mandatory equipment for a bicycle. Also, he must take particular care and turn on the lights with which the bicycle is equipped (front and rear) in conditions of reduced air transparency (fog, rain, etc.).

When riding during the day with good visibility, the position lights of the bicycle may be dismantled, while the mandatory reflector must be installed permanently.

The cyclist, helmet, and reflective vest are not compulsory, but it is worth wearing them while cycling. The helmet protects your head in case of a fall, while the reflective vest increases your visibility on the road.

Detailed information on the mandatory equipment, incl. a bicycle can be found in the regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 27 October 2016 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment.

Take care of your safety by wearing reflective elements

Every pedestrian walking after dusk, on the road outside built-up areas, is required to use reflective elements. It is worth remembering about this, especially in the autumn period, when the days are getting shorter, it gets dark faster and the changing weather conditions do not favor good visibility on the road.

The officers of the Świdnica police appeal to always have a reflective element with you. As they indicate, reflectors significantly improve the visibility of a pedestrian and can even save his life, as drivers can notice him much earlier. Police statistics show that a pedestrian wearing a dark suit is seen by the vehicle driver from a distance of about 40 meters. A pedestrian wearing reflective elements becomes visible even from a distance of 150 meters.

From August 2014, the obligation to have a reflective element, placed in a visible way for drivers, applies to every pedestrian who moves outside built-up areas after dusk. These elements can be items attached to clothes, reflective vests, lanyards, and bands. It is recommended to place them at the level of the hands, knees, around the center of the chest and back.

“Remember that this one, seemingly insignificant detail, can protect us from serious consequences related to, for example, a deduction. Let’s take care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially taking into account the fact that safety, in this case, is so easily attainable,” says Janusz Waligóra, spokesman for the Świdnica Commune Office, handing over the appeal of the policemen from Świdnica.