Author: stellaqi

Do accidents increase with delivery and parcel companies?

The competition is forcing many delivery companies are betting on an increasingly common formula, in order to reduce costs. It is about looking for self-employed workers, who work with their own vehicles for these companies. Now a study warns of the risks that this practice is bringing for road safety.

 

University College London (UCL), which conducted the research, found that 63% of self-employed drivers do not receive road safety training on how to minimize risk. In addition, 65% do not receive even the most basic security equipment, such as a safety vest (70% buy their own) and reflective tapes. The study also surveyed taxi drivers and found a very similar situation.

 

Up to 42% of drivers said their vehicle had been damaged as a result of a collision while working, and 10% more reported that someone had been injured. Only 25% of courier drivers claimed that their company cared about their safety while they worked.

 

Heather Ward of the UCL Transportation Studies Center said: “Our findings highlight that the increase of these contracts in transport companies could increase the risk factors that affect the health and safety of workers.” Among his concerns, he stresses that as there are more workers in these conditions and competition increases. They increase the number of hours they need to work and the distances they must travel to obtain a stable income.

 

Fatigue, especially among parcel couriers, due to overwork and the pressure of delivery time leads to frequent mistakes and collisions. “We know it’s a problem, but we do not know exactly how long it is, since not all companies have an obligation to report on the number of self-employed workers,” Ward said.

 

The report makes a series of recommendations to companies that use self-employed drivers:

Pay messengers for blocks of time, instead of delivered packages. In doing so, they must take into account the time necessary to travel safely within the speed limits, taking into account that they must perform administrative functions, such as scanning codes and signing the receiver of the package.

 

Do not allow mobile phones to cause distractions. Most workers currently receive orders through a smart phone application.

 

The Society for the Prevention of Accidents to ensure that the conclusions of the study of UCL are worrying, considering the rise of this type of work. It should be added that in the United Kingdom (as in Spain). One third fatal accident involves someone who was at work at that time.

 

Companies of this type should have programs to minimize risks to road safety (drivers and other road users should wear safety clothing), which carry their business, without a doubt. And maybe we should all have more understanding when we receive an order that we have made online with a couple of hours late. That would also help.

“At nine I wanted to enter a group of 90 tourists”

The new municipal regulation that prohibits -both Friday and Saturdays- the visits of organized groups of more than 15 people in the Santa Caterina Market of Barcelona entered yesterday into force. In the morning, the only guard of the infrastructure knew that his function began to acquire, each time, more attribution. And soon he had to show his skills according to the new regulations. “At 9.00 in the morning a group of more than 90 people has been presented and I have had to tell them that they could not enter,” informed the guard with the authority that gave him a reflective vest, a truncheon and handcuffs.

 

The person in charge of market security admitted that he had not had any problem with the group: “I think they came from a cruise ship” and as he explained, they quickly understood the message and in an orderly manner abandoned access to a market where the exoticism they seek Tourists are not only at the stops but also on the deck. The roof draws an amalgam of colors inspired by the modernist technique that the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue placed with the purpose of opening the infrastructure to the whole city and turning it into a magnet! A purpose that has successfully opened the market not only for the rest of the neighborhoods but, apparently, to the whole world. Such is its power of attraction that it has had to be stopped.

 

Since yesterday, on Fridays and Saturdays between April and October, large groups have access to Santa Caterina. The City Council has taken this decision with the intention of preserving the current market model before tourism allegedly takes over the space expelling customers from the corridors.

 

The watchman knows many of the guides because the market, although central, is not one of the largest and has a little more than 60 stops, few corridors and enough familiar faces to highlight the intruders.

 

The new norm is more extensive. The guard will be alert that the groups do not obstruct the corridors or prevent the approach of the clients to the stops. According to the City Council reports, a concentration of 15 people in these corridors is sufficient to prevent the normal flow of people inside the facility.

 

The controller has more functions, including inviting those who touch or manipulate food and exposed products with the aim of taking photographs or those who are eating or drinking in space not allowed to leave.

 

“There are some tourists that I always have to call their attention. There are those who have the habit of touching everything and even stick the nail to the fruit or fish and then the paradise is angry and rightly so “, says the watchman.

 

The regulations seem to have been good between paradise and customers. And that there are some steps that seem to have changed the chip and now there are stalls selling exclusively prepared Japanese rice and fish, sushi, or pizzas and take away preparations. There is even one that sells souvenirs.

 

“Barcelona is full of tourists but in the market I have never had problems. This is not like La Boqueria, “says a customer who, after making the purchase of traditional stops, goes directly to the supermarket at the back of the facility.

 

The fishermen are totally in agreement with the new regulations, also the person in charge of Menuts Toni, who claims to feel more than once “surrounded”. “You feel a true helper, some visitors are very kind, others not so much. Some people surprise you and as they come to apartments they sometimes buy you. But the truth is that not everything is bad, because we also sell more to restaurants where tourists go. “he admits.

Safety vests become necessary in California where fires become “normal”

On 8th December, a fire approaches the Lake Casitas area near Ojai, California. Strong Santa Ana winds which are extremely dry down slope winds that affect coastal Southern California in fall and winter, have been feeding major wildfire all week, destroying hundreds of houses and forcing tens of thousands of people to run away from their homes. Some of them wear reflective clothing when running.

 

Jerry Brown, one of California’s Governors said that climate change has pushed weather to the most extreme. And the US western state must prepare well for a constant threat of wildfire which is a “new normal”. According to released statistics, there are six massive wild fires burning in California, destroying more than 708.2 square kilometers and 793 structures last week.

 

Except the unusually forceful and sustained Santa Ana winds (knew as “devil wind” for propagating regional wildfire.), a hot & dry fire season extending into Christmas in Southern California, has led to the widespread and devastating fire. So people should learn how to protect themselves in the hot, dry & dangerous season.

 

Preparing a reflective vest is not a bad choice. It can help you easily be found in fire and flame. When the fire is happening, you can wear it when running.

Local Police, denounced by UGT

The Union of Local Police of the UGT Ceuta denounces that one week after the start of the Selective Training Course of the 15 applicants to join the Local Police, the students have not yet been provided with practices of the safety clothing. On the first day, students arrived at their training and were given a reflective vest that identified them as members of the Police.

 

From the trade union center do not understand that the uniformity of these aspiring officials has not been anticipated in advance, when it has been planned that the training consists of a theoretical and practical part.

 

“This union has learned that it has been provided with different reflective materials to students, but currently lack pants and boots something essential. We remind you that we are a body of civil and uniformed nature, as established in the Regulation of the Local Police of the Autonomous City of Ceuta in its article 32. “he said.

 

The union lists a situation of “sloppiness”, the fact of not having equipped the students with this training course and request that it be reversed as soon as possible.

 

They also reminded the Minister of the Interior, Jacob, “that we will always defend the rights of our comrades at all costs.”

They organized a Reflective Safety Day

Education in the field of safety of unprotected road users is a very important element in raising children and adolescents as well as adults. Therefore, the Primary School located on the busy provincial road for many years, together with the local government and many institutions, undertakes effective activities in this area, the effect of which is even the creation and functioning of one of the most modern communication towns in Poland.

 

It is here that the finals of the Nationwide Safety Tournament in Road Traffic take place. Next to the town there is a bike path under EUROVELO4.

 

For several years now, students of the school have undertaken numerous activities among the local community for safety, including the use of reflective vests and reflective tapes by both pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Every year, the school takes part in the competition titled “Reflective School” trying to undertake innovative activities encouraging to increase the safety of unprotected road users.

 

One of the elements of organized “Reflective Safety Day” was the Picnic in the Communications Town called “Wear reflections, shine with example” and “Reflective March” through the streets with banners that encourage residents to use reflective materials. In the march along with students and teachers also went to the school head Angelika, secretary of the commune Drina Lesser, chairman of the commune council Drina Roman and other invited guests. The march took place under the honorary patronage of the Commune Head of Drina Jan Pataki.

The police are talking about traffic rules

The days are getting shorter and more and more people are moving outdoors and in traffic when darkness subsides. Then it’s important to think about being visible.

 

“The most common mistake is that you overestimate your visibility and stand out to believe that you see,” said Camilla Samuelsson, intervention police in the local police area.

 

The reflex can be a cheap insurance and Camilla Samuelsson thinks more and more people wear reflective vests.

 

“I imagine that those who are used to being out at these times have another idea. But in general, it is bad to take on, perhaps especially in the urban environment where it is illuminated and it is believed that the lighting helps one to be seen. “says Camilla.

 

Among the teenagers, Camilla sometimes hears it’s cool to wear a vest with reflective material. Just like wearing a bike helmet. To pop up the reflexes by designing, for example, reflective jackets, she believes that it may be important for a particular audience to start using reflexes and realize the risks.

 

“If you do not have a reflex, the children do not have it either. It is also very important how we influence each other. “says Camilla.

 

At preschool, educators believe that the influence can take place elsewhere and that the children bring home the behavior to the parents. They work with sustainability and wants to be in a safe and safe way. Therefore, the office has decided to hand out reflective vests to preschools.

 

“To target children was a choice we made. It should start on time. It’s a good target audience that can affect the parents. “says Ingvar Johansson.

 

Preschool has received reflective vest, and more preschools have the opportunity to get vests. It is the first to come to tell Ingvar Johansson.

 

“That’s really good. We are sometimes bad at using reflective vests but this will be like a kick at the end. “says Lisa, teacher at the kindergarten.

 

Do you ever talk about the importance of reflective materials?

 

“If we see that one of the children have reflective materials on the clothes, then we emphasize it and talk about why it is important,” says Lisa.

 

Police Camilla Samuelsson has no evidence that the number of accidents is increasing in the autumn. She thinks there are different risks for each season.

 

What should you think about going out and going to the dark?

 

To have a reflective element. If you do not want a big vest, you should take the reflective tape. A reflective tape may also be good, then there is something moving and catching attention. Do not take for granted that the driver sees you, even if you have reflective element, there are many unaccustomed drivers in traffic, so be aware. “said Camilla.

 

If you go by bike, other regulations apply. As long as the cycle is conducted, the rules apply to pedestrians. But as soon as you jump on the bike, it is counted as a vehicle.

 

“Then the traffic rules apply, like stopping at the red light and driving directions. You must keep to the right and do not ride a bike on the sidewalk.

 

If the lighting and reflexes of a bike are not met, it cannot be costly. If any of the light / reflexes are missing or they are out of order, it costs SEK 500. Should it simply be that the lamp is not turned on, it also costs 500 kronor. The police currently have no pronounced action against bikers. Previously, the police have informed the public about the rules that are applicable to then go out and make an effort in reality.

Armageddon on the roads

Last weekend, there were several collisions on the roads. The current aura forces the change of driving technique, unfortunately many drivers forget about it. Anna, spokesperson for the Sanok police. The fact that we do not want to give up and charge a bit on the streets shows statistics for the weekend.

 

The series began on Friday 24 August. At first around at 4 pm, the driver did not adjust the speed to the conditions on the road and rode to the rear of the Mitsubishi. The managers were sober and the perpetrator got a ticket.

 

On Saturday, August 25, 6 collisions was recorded on the point roads. And at about 2pm, the driver did not adjust speed and raided the Audi rear.

 

A few hours later, at the intersection, the commanding Suzuki did not adjust the speed to the conditions prevailing on the road and raided the back of the Renault and Mercedes, which stopped before the pedestrian crossing.

 

Sunday began with the event Queen Bona before hours. 8.00 Opel drivers did not adjust the speed to the conditions on the road and hit the lighting pole, which was damaged as a result of the incident. The perpetrator got a ticket.

 

Police officers appeal for prudence and common sense. Incorrect speed to the conditions on the road may be the cause of the tragedy. Especially when it rains, which significantly reduces visibility and lengthens the braking distance.

 

The current weather in our region means that the conditions on the road are very changeable, more treacherous and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. That’s why traffic cops appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, to be especially cautious and careful – says Anna, spokesperson for the Sanok police. Over the weekend, there were eleven road collisions in the Sanok. The most common reason for the incidents was maladjustment of speed to conditions on the road or failure to exercise due caution. In two cases, there was a collision with forest animals – he sums up.

 

POLICE REMINDS:

 

In connection with rainfall, roadways can be slippery, and in such situations the wheels easily lose their grip. Remember that in many different places the road surface combined with rainfall, extends the braking distance of the vehicle. In extreme cases the driver may slip and not control the car. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with light on and observe the speed limits, and when weather conditions are worse, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. We appeal not to charge, think or anticipate threats.

 

You should pay special attention to the depressions of the terrain, on hills, near forests and water reservoirs – the road can be particularly slippery there. Exercise extreme caution near pedestrian crossings. Also, be careful when commuting to them. If the pedestrian enters the passage, the driver may not slow down.

 

We send a special appeal to the pedestrians so that they do not go directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can stop the vehicle. Of course, the pedestrian takes precedence over the passage, but here the principle of limited trust is most applicable.

 

Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember about their 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. We would like to remind you that from August 31, 2014, all pedestrians who move around the dusk along the way outside the built-up area must have a reflective vest with reflective tape to the drivers. The lack of a reflective element is threatened by a fine. Although traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests and reflective materials in the built-up area, they, to a large extent, improve visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.

 

Remember – the speed allowed during intense rainfall does not always mean speed SAFE!

 

It is also important to remember about proper and compliant use of fog lights and daytime running lights (Article 51 of the Law on Road Traffic).

 

An additional difficulty during this period (not only for drivers) is often worse well-being. Bad mood can affect the speed of reaction and concentration, which is also worth remembering when moving on the road.

The police wants to reduce the rate of motorcycle accidents

No sooner did the policemen position themselves in their distinctive yellow safety vests with reflective tapes, they are already taking action: one motorcycle after another, they wave to the side of the road to take a close look at it. It does not take much time before the officials discover the first modification to one of the two-wheelers. The so-called DB killer is missing – which makes the machine significantly louder than allowed. A violation that costs the driver equal to 180 Euros. “Stupid that the police know now synonymous,” says the only dry.

 

Because it is not an ordinary control, which has carried out the policy. For the first time, the so-called motorcycle control group is in action, which the police headquarters Upper Franconia called only at the end of July to life. “The benefit is that most civil servants are motorcyclists themselves and screw their own machines in their free time, so it’s much easier for them to spot illegal modifications,” says police officer Marco, who is in control.

 

In particular, technical changes to the machines would put the control officials before special requirements and require expert knowledge. But not only privately, the officials have to educate themselves: Also by the police are offered various courses. For example, experienced police officers can pass on their motorcycle expertise to colleagues. “It’s not about passing on or banging on motorcyclists – it’s for their own safety,” emphasizes Kissinger.

 

The first inspection will follow throughout Upper Franconia in late summer and autumn, many more. “At the moment we are ten motorcycle control groups in Upper Franconia, but when it comes to control, the goal is always to have been at least four local officials,” explains Kissinger.

 

Motorcyclists are the main risk group

One of the reasons why the ten groups are now on the road is 574 traffic accidents in Upper Franconia in which motorcycles were involved last year. In view of a total of 33 049 accidents, a figure that seems comparatively low at first glance. She is still worried about the police. After all, 500 were injured, eight even killed. Accordingly, motorcyclists are attributable to the main risk group for serious traffic accidents, said the Upper police headquarters in his latest traffic accident statistics. In half of the cases, the cause of the accident is caused by the motorcyclists themselves.

 

The control groups should help to reduce the rate again in the future. An idea that also meets the ears of the police inspection. “I think it’s very good that there are now,” says Wolfgang Schramm, the local deputy head of traffic. “It’s a minority that manipulates their machines, but then you want to find and pull out the motorcyclists who overshoot the target.”

 

What role the weather plays

Why in the Cranach district alone in the first half of this year with 15 accidents in which motorcycles were involved, there were almost as many as in the entire year of 2017 (21), knows Anne of the Press Office of the police headquarters Upper Franconia: because of the weather! “The numbers always come in, when a season starts much earlier due to the nice weather,” she explains. So it is important to wear safety clothing with reflective materials which the safety for motorcycle driver can be increased.

 

And because the temperatures in March were mild enough to attract the first motorcycle lovers to their machines, this is now also reflected in the statistics. “Experience has shown that it’s always a bit of a hassle until the drivers have prepared for motorcycles to travel again.”

Reflective vests for cyclists

“I am a good friend, take care of me, I have children, take care of me and improving the world, take care of me” some of the messages that are seen in the more than 1,000 reflective vests that the Mobility Secretariat gave to the cyclists in 7 points of the city considered high Impact on accidents.

In this way, the activation Reflective Lives pretends that the cycling civic heroes protect themselves, take care of their lives, be visible and at the same time that all the road actors respect the users of the bike.

Other safety equipment for cyclists:

Use front (white) and rear (red) light both day and night.

Use reflective feet, wheels, helmet and body parts that move when riding a bike. According to research, human beings act instinctively when they see objects or elements in motion and more if they have light. Cyclists who use the reflective materials effectively can reduce the chances of an accident by 83%.

Experts recommend using fluorescent products to be seen during the day and reflective to be seen during the night. The difference is that fluorescent colors do not work at night. They require the presence of sunlight to be visible.

Lighting elements reduce losses by 55%

A study conducted in Denmark with 6,793 volunteer cyclists gave 3,402 cyclists a yellow jacket (test group) and 3,391 cyclists (control group), who did not wear this garment. The safety effect of the jacket was analyzed by comparing the number of accidents in the two groups. The accident rate in the test group was 47% lower than that of the control group. For accidents with cyclists and motorized vehicles, it was 55% lower.

This study showed that fluorescent materials improved the detection of drivers during the day. While lamps, flashing light and reflective materials improved detection during the night.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for a reduction in the occurrence of accidents, by increasing the visibility of cyclists, using a yellow jacket. The hypothesis of this study was that the use of high visibility clothing in the upper body would improve the detection of cyclists and, consequently, would lead to a reduction in the number of accidents.

Rules and behaviors for cyclists

Law 769 of 2002 by the National Traffic Code establishes, in article 95, that cyclists when driving at night, must have devices in the front that project white light, and in the rear that reflects red light.

Failure to comply will be punishable by a type A subpoena, which is a fine equivalent to four (4) minimum legal daily wages in force (SMLDV). Exactly, the sanction is the A6, corresponding: transit without the required luminous devices.

From January to July 2018, 863 tickets have been imposed on cyclists who do not use their lighting devices. The penalty is $ 104,200 pesos.

On the other hand, in the Good Cyclist’s Manual, available on the website www.planbici.gov.Co in the behavior section, it is recommended to carry safety elements such as the helmet and reflective vest at all times and when it is dark.

“Protect your life by increasing your visibility capacity so that you do not go unnoticed by other drivers. Be enlightened. “

School starts – what should be considered?

Police Superintendent Jennifer from Directorate Traffic, gives tips and hints about traffic safety advice. These are not only addressed to the parents and children, but also to the other road users:

The new school year starts and the first graders begins a new phase of life. In addition to new impressions and expectations of the school itself, the children are confronted for the first time of the dangers of road traffic. In order for the children to become safe and self-confident road users, we would like to inform you here about how you can accompany and support your children on this journey.

Children are not “little adults”

Children perceive the traffic differently. You still cannot estimate speed and distances like adults. It is not possible for them to know which direction a sound is coming from and it is also difficult for them to filter important and unimportant noise. Because of their height they have a different angle; they cannot look over cars and their gaze is obscured by many obstacles. Even her field of vision is about one third smaller than in adults up to the age of 8 years. Children do not have any dangerous awareness yet. They mix imagination and reality. They can also be distracted easily in traffic and often react impulsively. They then run thoughtlessly and without concentration across the street. The conversion from near to far-sightedness also happens to children with a delay. So there are many reasons to prepare children for school in good time.

Walk to school

Give your child an early opportunity to get to know and explore the way to school. Practice correct behavior with possible danger points (exits, construction sites, parking cars) and use existing crossing aid (pedestrian traffic light, crosswalks, traffic islands). Many schools have school maps that can help you choose a safe way to school, because the rarest cases. The shortest route is the safest. Distractions such as mobile phones, music and wearing headphones should be taboo during the school trip, because they only distract your child from additional distraction. Inquire with classmates and their parents. This is more fun and also relieves a little. It is advisable to allow plenty of time in the mornings, so that your child does not have to travel to school on a stressful day or even have to run to school. In order for your child to be seen early by other road users, we recommend brighter and, if possible, reflective clothing. In the first classes, all children will be provided with reflective safety vests by the ADAC, which can save their lives on the way to school.

By car to school

If you bring your child to school by car, remember that it takes a suitable child seat to strap on until the age of 12 or up to a height of 1.50 m. Use seats with backrest as long as possible and change as late as possible to the so-called seat shells. It is always important that the belt of the vehicle is clearly guided over the clavicle of the child and does not go along the neck. Always have your child get off the sidewalk side, taking care of cycling and walking.

Leave the car in the garage

Your child can only become a safer road user if they get the chance to experience their environment independently. A so-called island hopping (to be taken by car to a friend, to school, to sport, etc.) hinders her child. In addition, the large number of vehicles in front of the school in the morning causes a real traffic chaos and it can lead to dangerous traffic situations.

If it is not possible for you to complete the way to school completely on foot, then park a bit away from the school. Dare your child a walk of 200-700m and make the way to school a ritual. Your child can gain experience on the road along the way, learn to recognize danger, to estimate distances. It enjoys the fresh air and will arrive waking up at school. It can also go along with classmates and exchange with them before class.

The idea of not driving up to the school by car is worth it! Not only you and your child benefit from it, but also teachers and residents as well as the police. You also support climate protection with it. Some schools offer projects on this topic. (Walking bus, traffic tamer, etc.) Inquire.

By bike to school

In the lower classes, we advise against letting your child go to school by bike alone. Children of this age are quickly overwhelmed with the bicycle in traffic. The cycle is driving training, which we carry out with your children. Therefore takes place only in the 4th grade. If you decide to accompany your child to school by bicycle, there is nothing to stop them from a police point of view. It trains your child and makes it familiar with the traffic reality. However, you should pay a lot of attention: your child should already be safe in dealing with their own bike and control it so well that it can pay full attention to the traffic. Wearing a bicycle helmet and a vest with reflective material is more than recommended. Children up to their 8th birthday have to, older children up to the 10th birthday are allowed to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. You may accompany your child to the age of 8 years of cycling on the pavement. Take advantage of two existing walkways always the right one. Particular attention should be paid to the entrances and exits. When crossing the road, at traffic lights and crosswalks must be lowered and pushed. Cycle paths may yet use the children, but then only in the prescribed direction. Once your child drives on the road, the bike must be roadworthy. Make sure there is enough air in the tires. Choosing the way to school when riding a bicycle is especially important. Pay attention to the help of the crossing.

No matter which school you choose, be sensitive and respond to questions and fears of your children. But also promote his independence.

Be a role model because children learn by imitation and are guided by family role models.

Accompanying the policy in the first classes, pedestrian training, to practice the crossing of the road and to prepare the children for possible danger in traffic. At the beginning of the school, large banners of the police will point to the start of school and more school trips will be carried out in primary schools.

We also want your children to become confident and safe road users and to be able to look forward to their school start.