Category: reflective vest

Many will say that the contents of the trunk of your car are purely personal matter. This is partly the case. But a certain set of tools and accessories can be useful to anyone who sets off on a journey, even if it is short and short-lived. Their list was formed based on many years of experience of drivers who got into a wide variety of situations.

 

What is required to carry in the car according to the law?

 

Every law-abiding driver should be aware of the list of items that must always be in the trunk in case of emergencies – as required by the Traffic Regulations. For the absence of any of them, a traffic police officer can issue a fine. However, there is nothing difficult in complying with the requirements of the law – there are only four items on this list.

 

Automotive first aid kit. Perhaps the most important and most useful compulsory subject. Unfortunately, many pay attention to the presence and condition of the first aid kit only when there is an urgent need to use it. Or before a technical inspection, where its contents are checked without fail.

 

The law not only requires a first aid kit but also strictly defines the list of what should be in it. And each of its components must be usable (not expired). On the other hand, no one prohibits and supplementing the mandatory list at their discretion – the main thing is that there are no drugs in the first-aid kit that are prohibited in the Russian Federation. And it is also necessary to use any medicine on other people with an eye to the legislation. We wrote about all this in detail in a separate article.

 

Fire extinguisher. This is also not just an item that must be presented during the inspection or to the inspector to avoid a fine. A fire extinguisher can save not only property but also someone’s life, perhaps even your own.

 

It is important to understand how a fire extinguisher works and to regularly check its expiration date. And also, a fire extinguishing agent must meet certain requirements:

 

for a car, the minimum volume of a fire extinguisher is 2 liters, for trucks – 5 liters;

it is permissible to use only 2 types of fire extinguishers – powder or carbon dioxide;

the fire extinguisher must have a metal body and a spray bell;

powder models must be equipped with a pressure gauge showing the pressure of the filler;

the check of the fire extinguisher must have a whole seal;

 

When sold, the fire extinguisher must be accompanied by a passport with the date of manufacture and expiration date.

 

Warning triangle. This item will not take up much space in the trunk, although its role in preserving people’s health is great: it has repeatedly saved the lives of those who made a forced stop on the road. And the “non-freeze” canister, exposed on the road, will not be an adequate replacement for it.

 

For a triangular warning triangle, there is a regulation that determines the size and design. Thus, the length of each side of the triangle should be 50–55 cm. On the outside, the sign should have stripes of reflective material, each of which is at least 5 cm wide.

 

It is imperative to have special support that will allow you to install and fix the warning triangle sign on any level surface. We, in turn, advise you not to save money and buy the most massive, stable, and strong version – this will not be blown away by a wave of air from the first truck that passes by.

 

Reflective vest. In March 2020, another amendment to the traffic rules introduced a norm according to which drivers, leaving the car, are required to wear a jacket or vest with inserts of reflective material. This should be done on roads outside of settlements in the dark – at night and dusk. And also in conditions of limited visibility. In some European countries, the use of a vest is mandatory regardless of weather conditions.

 

A special GOST 12.4.281-2014 has been adopted, in which strict frameworks are indicated regarding the location and shape of the reflective stripes on the vest. For example, the width of the strip should not be less than 5 cm, and the two main lines must be horizontal and parallel to each other.

 

Unlike other items on this list, even motorcyclists should have a vest. On the other hand, this is the only mandatory accessory for the absence of which a fine is not yet issued.

Wear warm clothes

Put on layers. On an ordinary bike, you don’t have to bundle up less than on an e-bike or a pedelec, because more heat is produced. When it snows, it is best to wear a waterproof jacket and pants. The snow is melting on your clothes.

 

Think about your visibility

Don’t forget your visibility. Always make sure your front and rear lights are working and a fluorescent jacket is certainly not an unnecessary luxury in winter weather. With a reflective vest, other road users will notice you 150 meters away.

 

How about winter tires?

If the snow persists for a while and you have to cycle a lot, if you are a letter carrier or delivery driver, for example, you might consider winter tires. Not only will they give you more grip, but they will also reduce your stopping distance.

 

Take care of your battery

In cold weather, your e-bike’s battery loses up to 25% of its range. It is best to store your bike indoors and, if this is not possible, store the battery in warmer temperatures. Remember that in freezing temperatures, the battery can be completely discharged within hours without you using it.

 

Electric scooters

 

Monitor your driving style

The small wheels of electric scooters have less grip in winter and the braking is also less smooth. You can wrap colons around your tires for better grip. Look far ahead to better assess the behavior of other road users.

 

Visibility is crucial

Electric scooters are not yet well established, so not all motorists and cyclists can take this into account. Here, too, visibility is a must. Reflective clothing, additional lighting, and fluorescent jackets are more than recommended.

The German capital is struggling with the growing number of accidents involving cyclists. The proposed solution to this problem is surprising. As suggested by German uniforms, it would be beneficial to introduce mandatory license plates for two-wheelers.

 

“Because of the growing number of complaints sent by pedestrians, it is worth considering the mandatory marking of bicycles ” – Barbara Slowik, the head of the Berlin police quoated by PAP, told the daily “Berliner Morgenpost”. This postulate was supported by the CDU parliamentary group in the Berlin Landtag. As the spokesperson for the transport of the group pointed out, the idea is to make it easier to bring cyclists who are the perpetrators of collisions to justice.

 

According to the calculations of German law enforcement officers, already over 50 percent. incidents involving cyclists taking place in the capital of our western neighbors are caused by the users of two wheels themselves. According to the police, some of the collisions are caused by cyclists ignoring the rules or aggression on their part. It is difficult to refuse even part of the German police. It has been known for a long time that ignorance and aggression do well under the wings of anonymity. There is, however, the other side of the coin. Many commentators in Germany see the source of the Berlin problem elsewhere.

 

Hendrik Lehmann from “Der Tagesspiegel”, quoted by PAP, notes that the bicycle infrastructure no longer meets the needs of a growing group of cyclists. This is why some of them avoid their designated roads. He also notes that the police have been helpless for years in terms of increasing the safety of vulnerable road users. Finally, he wonders why bicycle license plates should solve the problem when cars with them cause a lot of accidents.

 

According to the Berlin police, in 2019 cyclists only participated in 3.9 percent. accidents in the German capital. For comparison, in Poland in 2019 this percentage was as high as 14.6%. No wonder that we also have voiced about the mandatory marking of bicycles from time to time. The problem, however, is that it is difficult to do it in a way that is both legible and not absurd because your imagination quickly tells you that a bicycle with a license plate would be just like in a car. However, it is a good idea to take out insurance which, in the event of damage to the bicycle, will cover the amount necessary for their removal. Many people already have them – along with an insurance policy for an apartment or a car – without knowing anything about it. A reflective vest with a number is obligatory, the driver is better visible, a large field.

According to the St. Gallen canton police, there is often a lack of clarity as to what rights and obligations pedestrians have in traffic. They provide clarity in a recently published guide.

 

Where do pedestrians have right of way?

People who are on foot in road traffic have right of way on pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and footpaths that are marked with a blue mandatory sign. Every child knows: “I have right of way on the pedestrian crossing!” But suddenly crossing the street on a pedestrian crossing without waiting for an approaching vehicle to stop is not only inconsiderate but also dangerous. And it is also important for pedestrians to wear reflective vests in the night or dark time.

 

In meeting zones, pedestrians always have right of way over rolling traffic. This also applies when crossing the street. This looks different with 30 zones. “Pedestrians are generally allowed to cross the street anywhere, but they must give way to the vehicles on the street,” says the guide.

 

Behavior at the pedestrian crossing and light signals

According to the police, abruptly entering the pedestrian crossing without taking into account the rolling traffic can also be viewed from a legal point of view as “enforcing the right of way”, which is a violation of road traffic legislation. If the lane is crossed next to the pedestrian crossing, this could be punished with a fine of ten francs. This rule applies up to 50 meters before and after the pedestrian crossing. The same rules apply to pedestrian crossings and underpasses.

 

According to the police, it happens again and again that people in their motor vehicles are distracted while driving. “If someone enters the pedestrian crossing at this point, dangerous situations or even accidents can occur,” says the guide. Entering the road, for example behind a bus stopping or parked vehicles, is similarly dangerous.

 

Traffic lights also apply to pedestrians, at least those that are intended for such. Entering the lane when it is red and ignoring the light signal can be punished with a fine of 20 francs. “So it is not only worth waiting for the green phase of a light signal for safety reasons,” said the police.

It is sometimes difficult to circulate by bike in the city center in Angers. To help Angevins gain confidence, the town hall is making a bicycle guide full of tips available online and in print.

 

Mobility week is next week. And to help Angevins get started on a bike right away, the City has created a guide to feel at ease on two wheels. The idea is simple: remember the few basic safety instructions. It is available on rue de la gare at the Vélo Cité agency, and online. Like the “cyclist’s kit” with helmet, lights, and reflective vest.

 

Scooters are also concerned

Tips for avoiding accidents are also mentioned. For example, stand a meter apart along with parked cars so as not to be surprised by an opening door. Scooters have not been forgotten. They can circulate without a motor on sidewalks but cycle lanes if they are electric.

Due to the changing weather conditions, driving conditions become more and more difficult. In such winter circumstances, it is really easy to get involved in an accident. Police statistics show that this is the time of an increase in the number of collisions and accidents, including those with the most tragic consequences. That is why the policemen call for special caution and for taking the foot off the gas.

 

Real winter appeared outside the windows. A layer of snow of several centimeters caused the weather situation to change dramatically. It is a reason to be pleased for the youngest during the winter holidays because it will finally be possible to go sledding. However, not everyone is satisfied with the winter weather. For motorists, such conditions make the roads slippery and dangerous. Residual snow or slush causes that car drivers do not always remember the right behavior on the road. And yet, to travel safely, you just need to follow a few simple rules.

 

The uniforms remind you that the road surface combined with rainfall extends the car’s braking distance, and in extreme cases, the driver may skid and not control the car. Overtaking, passing, and cornering in these conditions can be very dangerous. The law enforcement officers make a special appeal to pedestrians not to go directly in front of an oncoming vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver has time to brake. Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember their safety and make sure they are visible. A reflective vest, a headband, or even an ordinary flashlight will make it easier to be seen by the oncoming driver when driving on a dimly lit road.

 

“Winter road conditions mean that traffic policemen have their hands full. Not all drivers receive appeals for a reason and the proverbial taking off the gas. Last long weekend, in the Tczew, officers worked in places of 10 road collisions. At that time, there was no road accident and no drunk driver was revealed.” says asp. staff. Dawid Krajewski, spokesman for the Tczew police.

 

During difficult road conditions, the uniforms pay special attention to the daring drivers. Police officers react to such dangerous behavior on the road and also check the technical condition of vehicles, the sobriety of drivers, and the required documents.

 

“There is only one conclusion. Remember that humility and common sense, combined with compliance with the law in difficult winter conditions, means that we avoid unpleasant consequences, but above all, we benefit from road safety.” adds the policeman.

Soon we will sit down to the Christmas Eve dinner, which we will spend with our loved ones. The days immediately before Christmas are a time when we are all in a hurry, we are distracted and we are still running out of time. Before leaving, remember to secure your apartments and houses well and prepare for the trip.

 

As every year during Christmas, the policemen will take care of our safety. However, we encourage you to immediately forward this information to the responsible services by calling the emergency number 112 if you notice any disturbing situation or behaving strangely. It is also worth taking care of other items, such as a reflective vest, a thermos with a hot drink, or a blanket. Due to increased traffic on the roads, it is worth planning more time to get to your destination. Before leaving, let’s close the doors and windows carefully, and close the main gas and water valves. Additionally, to increase the safety of our property, let’s ask a friendly neighbor.

 

The opposition group Archipel Citoyen will propose to the Toulouse City Council this Friday, November 11 the payment of a bonus of 50 to 100 euros, intended for bicycle deliverers, so that they are equipped with safety equipment.

 

Citizen Archipelago supports bicycle delivery for men. To the point that the opposition group will devote a wish to them, at the Toulouse City Council on Friday, December 11. In particular to offer the payment of a bonus of 50 to 100 euros to each of them, so that they equip themselves with safety equipment (lighting, reflective vest, helmets or knee pads) or have their bikes repaired. A measure that could extend to all the voluntary municipalities of Toulouse Métropole. “Accidents and injuries are frequent when you exercise this profession, it is a matter of public health”, summarizes Michèle Bleuse. She insists on the sharp increase in the number of deliveries during confinement, that of couriers, which would be between 300 and 1,000, to date, in the city, and their risk-taking. “They are encouraged to multiply deliveries by moving as quickly as possible”. Moreover, as a cyclist, the elected Europe-Ecology-Les-Verts notes that the rag is burning more and more between the followers of two wheels and those of the car: “The invectives or provocations keep increasing . And this directly impacts the safety of delivery people”.

 

A working group to change the economic model

If Archipel Citoyen comes to the aid of this profession, it is also “because it responds to the ecological challenge of the last mile”, but above all “, because we must protect the weakest”, in the words of Hélène. Magdo, from France Insoumise. An echo of the social movement of delivery men, started several weeks ago, which demand, above all, the requalification of their status, from auto-entrepreneur to employee. “Today, they have no collective agreement, no right to unemployment, no contribution to retirement and very low social coverage … it is not a career choice,” recalls the elected. This is why the group will propose, in the first article of its wish to the Municipal Council, “to initiate a reflection to develop this economic model, so that it is more protective”, announces Michèle Blouse. This would consist of forming a working group with elected officials and professionals in the sector and supporting certain initiatives, such as cooperative projects.

In which cases is the fluorescent cycling vest mandatory?

Regarding the reflective vest, the Highway Code is clear. Article R431-1-1 precisely defines the conditions of the compulsory wearing of the yellow vest:

“When running at night, or the day when visibility is poor, while the driver and passenger must wear a cycle outside urban vest high visibility by regulations.”

 

In other words, the law obliges cyclists to wear a fluorescent vest when pedaling out of town and when the light is low. The notion of “insufficient visibility”, although difficult to define precisely, mainly appeals to common sense. As soon as night falls, it is obvious that visibility decreases. All the more so since public lighting is not as extensive outside the cities as in the city center. The vest allows the cyclist to be visible to all at times when the light is weakest. However, regardless of the time of day, visibility can also be reduced by other factors: fog, rain, snow, etc. Even in broad daylight, the vest also has an effect and its bright colors make it possible to catch the eye of other users.

 

The non-obligation to wear a reflective vest outside of these conditions does not mean that it should not be worn. Whatever the situation, cyclists are strongly advised, for their benefit, to dress in a way that they can be seen. A visible cyclist means less risk of an accident. The motorist who sees a cyclist naturally adapts his driving to the presence of the bicycle. If he does not see him, however, he may not change anything in his behavior. In addition to the essential importance of cycling facilities, by being visible, we reduce the risks when cycling.

 

A fine in the event of non-compliance with the law

Article R431-1-1 also specifies the penalties provided for in the event of non-compliance with the legislation.

“Any driver or passenger of a cycle contravening the provisions of this article is punished by the fine provided for 2nd class contraventions.”

That is to say a fine of 35 € – or 22 € for the reduced fine.