The order of revolt

“Yellow vests” “EN ISO 20471” are the name of the safety vest worldwide. In France, she now inherits the revolutionary symbolism.

It was supposed to unite France’s revolutionaries. The Cap of Jacob was once a great idea, it was the hallmark of the Robespierre followers, the sans-culottes, the fighting workers and the petty bourgeoisie. The Jacobean cap stood for freedom, brotherhood, but above all for the equality of the revolutionaries. At the same time, the so-called Phrygian cap was a great symbolic misunderstanding: the barricade fighters put the headgear on their angry head in the historical mistaken belief that it was already carried by freed slaves in antiquity. This is not true, because they had the felt cut on the vertex. The “Phrygian cap” was actually a tanned bull scrotum that was supposed to give the antique bear the power of a bull.

Revolutionary mood reigns in France these days. The fashion, however, has changed. At present, the “yellow vests” are fighting on the Champs-Élysées and throughout the Republic against the increase in petrol taxes and the state, as Emmanuel Macron imagines. Cheap vests as a symbol of rebellion against the tightened suit policy of Macron’s “En Marche” movement. Not a blue-white-red democracy movement, but a neon-glowing exclamation point that should unite communists and nationalists with the French rogue.

After all, the brief history of the warning vest tells pretty much the opposite of disobedience, revolution, and insurrection. It was invented to protect, not to cause chaos. It was intended to secure airport staff, truck drivers, hunters, and construction workers with increased visibility. In addition, folders of all kinds are equipped with the “yellow vest” to organize the public mess with a hard hand. At some point, the safety vest was then the accessory of dutiful helicopter parents: no kindergarten trip without apple slices and big yellow jackets. The strange species of radical cyclists wear safety vests so naturally over the Jack jacket as the plastic-helmet-protected bicycle helmet on their head and the neon yellow trouser-straps around the shins. There’s nothing more spiteful than safety vests – at most garden gnomes (who – why actually? – get along largely without yellow vests).

It was the English who eventually developed safety vests for chickens (in models neon yellow, pink and blue) and successfully exported them. The EU understood less fun. It has bureaucratically buttoned and unified the “yellow vest”: as part of the harmonization of Member States’ legislation on personal protective equipment, a standard for safety vests has been introduced, which is entitled EN ISO 20471. Since then, it has been necessary to carry “warning reflective clothing” in cars, which comply with implementation instructions of DGUV regulation 70, which refers to DIN EN 471 and certain requirements of the latter. ” Ironically, this globally standardized garment should now stand for a new French Revolution? Burning cars instead of protection for drivers? Disarray and uprising instead of clothes for folders? Coup d’état in mantle an EU standard? The state-obligatory clothes for the fight for freedom? Is this the second time in the history of France that this is a fashionable error of the revolutionaries? Are the “yellow vest” the Phrygian scrotums of our time? And is it in France really a neon revolution according to DIN standard?

It’s not that easy. Probably no other garment is present in as many households as the safety vest. It belongs in every car like the toilet paper on a toilet. The safety vest is the accessory that unites a people in truth. An affront to Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gautier and Karl Lagerfeld, the latter would probably claim that anyone wearing a warning vest, has long lost control of his life. The safety vest with reflective tape is as practical-rational as the guillotine and the cheapest and most socially acceptable uniform (the four-pack is available from 10.99 Euros). It symbolizes the history of the working class and at the same time embodies the people subjugated in the name of security. And most importantly: The common safety vest screams continuously, day and night, in neon-shrill clarity: “Look at me! Do not forget me!”

Incidentally, in her old paintings, the revolutionary icon of France, the Marianne, proudly wears a Jacobean cap as she storms over burning barricades. The German Michel, on the other hand, was quickly given a similar, but completely differently connoted head covering by the French: with a sleepyhead. As a symbol of having lost the revolution. While the Jacobean cap has brought it into the democratic fashion of the United States, the sleepyhead still adorns mainly the garden gnomes in German front gardens.

Ultimately, little has changed in Europe since the first French Revolution. While the Parisians with the warning vest storm the streets, the Germans drive model EN ISO 20471 dutifully in the trunk around. And if they bring it out, then to be visible in the winter darkness.

Nationwide Action “Days of Visibility”

Good to come through the dark season. The police gave tips and checks to pupils and kindergartens.

Such a police presence did not exist in the small town. Police chief Simone Speller and police master Christian Salk had already set up the laser device on Thursday on the L 73 at 6:30 am. Within three hours, 55 vehicles were measured. The leader was a 35-year-old Ford Mondeo driver, who drove through the town at 73 instead of the predetermined 50km / h. After deducting three km / h tolerance, the man was lucky and only had to pay 35 Euros.

But speed was just one side. Much more was the “Days of Visibility” campaign, which was held nationwide for the first time. In front of the school stood Ute Striker and Hartman Press, traffic educators of the police station. They checked if parents were on the road with proper lighting. In four vehicles defects were detected. Since most children now use the school bus in the dark season, only a few girls and boys come by bicycle. A total of eight bicycles were checked. Three were missing the spoke reflectors. Eckhart Seidel and High Commissioner Axel had reflectors with them and equipped the cyclists with it.

“In the dark, the risk of accidents is three times higher than during the day. Therefore, you should also make sure to be safer on the road, “advised Eckhart Seidel the primary school students. Almost 750 pedestrians and around 2,600 cyclists died in road traffic in the state of Brandenburg last year. Often they are simply overlooked. Bright clothes and reflective clothing are the nuts and bolts. While reflective materials can still be seen 140 meters away, the visibility of dark clothing is only just under 25 meters. “Parents should pay attention when buying the clothes. There are also reflective fabrics, zippers and seams, “says Seidel. Students of the elementary school thought it was great yesterday that instead of math and German traffic education was on the timetable. They were allowed to test the speedometer. Police master Christian Salk showed them how to track down speeders. “The red dot must hit the vehicle, then press the trigger,” Salk demands.

145 primary school students

Eleven-year-old Lea was amazed at how slow motorists drove after she had discovered the laser device. “Otherwise, they drive much faster.”, says the student. 145 pupils from primary school were included in the nationwide campaign. The children and educators of the daycare did not miss the opportunity. Christian Salk almost brought the laser device to its knees so that the tots could also take a look. Only the youngest had to content themselves with a look into the police car. Even before the daycare, checks were carried out early in the morning. There two cars were tracked down, their light was not in order.

So first graders master the way to school

They are barely larger than the knapsack they carry on their backs. And they are excited, a whole new period of life begins. And for some, the path may not even be 100 percent. Around 1,200 girls and boys from the Höxter district have their very first day of school on Thursday, 30 August. At the latest from the following Friday, the little ones will go on the daily way to school. So that the steppes arrive safely, city, police and traffic watch gives important tips.

On foot

Most children are at school. The youngsters did not only gain experience. “Movement and fresh air before the class start also increase the ability to concentrate,” informs the Höxter district police, but because they perceive their surroundings differently from adults, they are in traffic especially at risk.

Go the way up to ten times

The Verkehrswacht advises parents to walk the path five to ten times with their offspring. Even at the beginning of school, the adults should still be there. “Because there is more traffic than at holiday time,” says Oliver. Parents should not forget their role model function, especially with regard to traffic lights and crossing aid and mobile phone use.

First of all, the Verkehrswacht recommends that the children do not go to school in groups. “Until they are safe on the way to school and recognize danger spots,” says Thane, because alone, the little ones usually learned better and were less distracting. “Thereafter, nothing speaks against dating,” says the traffic expert. Especially in the dark season, Thane advises “visible reflective clothing.” Safety vests, reflectors, satchels or flashing shoes which made with reflective fabrics, “There is even reflective yarn, especially creative parents can knit hats.”

Police are present on the first days

In the first few days, the police will be present on the school routes. “Help and education are in the foreground,” a statement said, and officials are also announcing increased speed measurements and checks on child seats, bus and bicycle traffic.

By bicycle

By bike only older children should go to school. “It’s not until they’re 14 that the ability to ride safely develops,” the police said, adding that the ability to focus on road traffic over a longer period of time does not train boys and girls until they are about eight years old.

By bus

Not every village in the district has its own elementary school. Many males will take the school bus. “Bus driving should also be practiced,” advises Oliver Thane, “Dangerous situations usually appear when getting in,” says the expert. Therefore, not only the way to the stop but also the getting in and out as well as sitting down should be trained. The school bus stops are on the right side of the street.

Parental taxis should use parking in the area

“On the way back, things can be different”, Thane points out, so children could suddenly run across the street behind the bus, so the police are also calling for stopping school buses to “pass by in two directions at walking pace”.

By car

The most convenient way to get to school is certainly the parental taxi. If you bring your own child to school by car, you should not chauffeur it all the way to the schoolyard. “Due to the pressure of the vehicle, there is a high-risk potential,” the city of Höxter informs on NW request, “Parking space in the area should be used for getting in and out.”

“Yellow vests” also in Belgium

Twelve wounded policemen, 74 arrested, a few burned cars – this is the balance of yesterday’s protests in Brussels against fuel price increases. The Belgian Minister of the Interior has announced that today the police will also be mobilized.

The protest of the so-called yellow safety vests has moved from France to Belgium. The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Jan Jambon, in connection with the protests promised in France today, the police forces in the Belgian capital remain ready. The detention of aggressive people after yesterday’s protests will also be continued today.

“People who have been detained today will hear accusations. You can protest, but attacks on policemen are unacceptable. And those who have committed acts of aggression and have not been arrested yet cannot feel peaceful. We have recordings from cameras and testimonies.” said the VRT head of the Belgian Ministry of the Interior.

Yesterday’s demonstration went quietly to a certain point, but later the demonstrators began blocking tunnels in the city, overturning police cars and setting them on fire. Protesters threw stones at the Prime Minister’s seat and demanded his resignation.

Protests in Belgium moved to this country from France. On December 1, another wave of protests will be rolled over France on Saturday. It will be the third consecutive Saturday when demonstrations against fuel price increases will take place in the country.

Five thousand policemen were mobilized in Paris. Champs Elysees closed for vehicular traffic. Passers-by everywhere – bags and backpacks are checked. All this is to guard against a repeat of the riots of last week when shops and restaurants were demolished, cars were burned. The losses were estimated at one million Euros.

“Yellow vests” – because of the wearing of this type of reflective clothing with reflective tapes to ensure road safety is called protesters’ movement, they do not intend to put up a gun, they will demonstrate against fuel rises, more than six cents per liter will be fueled by diesel oil, according to President Emmanuel Macron be an element of the fight for environmental protection.

The attempt to talk with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe with “yellow vests” was considered a failure. Of the eight guests invited there were two, but the head of the government decided that the conversation was interesting, direct, respectful, useful and added that the door to his office at the Matignon Palace they are always open to “yellow vests.” Traders complain about losses, but as many as 85 percents of the population support the protesters.

Fatal accident

Police officers under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office, explain the circumstances of the accident that occurred last night. A 65-year-old man was mortally knocked down on an unlit stretch of road.

The tragic event took place on Wednesday, November 28, around 20:30 on the national road No. 42.

As it results from preliminary findings, on a straight stretch of road in an unlit place, a 19-year-old resident of the County, driving a VW passenger car, hit a 65-year-old man, a resident of the commune, on the road.

As a result of injuries, the pedestrian was killed on the spot. The driver was sober. The body of a 65-year-old and the vehicle were secured at the disposal of the prosecutor’s office. The policemen carried out a detailed inspection, securing forensic traces.

Traffic policemen appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, for particular caution and prudence. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with the 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. It is worth to check the technical condition of the vehicle, which will answer the question of whether our vehicle is efficient and safe. A special appeal is also directed at pedestrians not to go directly in front of an oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can slow down. 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, keychain, 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 reflection visible to the drivers. The lack of a reflective material is threatened by a fine. Although traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests with reflective tapes and reflective elements in the built-up area, they, to a large extent, improve visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving their health.

The steps you must follow when you have a breakdown on the road

Both in the city and on the road, in case of an emergency, connect the emergency signaling to notify other users.

Whenever you can, slow down and head towards the shoulder or to a side away from the main road, where the car and its occupants are protected.

When you have a breakdown on the road, try to signal your vehicle well so that other drivers know your situation.

The average age of the passenger car fleet in Spain is now 12 years old and according to data from the General Directorate of Traffic, about 65% of the vehicles that circulate in Spain are more than ten years old. With these data, it is not strange that road failures increase. In 2016, mechanical problems increased by more than 16%, as confirmed by the RACE Fault Barometer. Breakdowns related to batteries or tires and traffic accidents were the most frequent problems.

Older cars or those that are poorly maintained are more likely to suffer a breakdown or accident, so be prepared to know how to act. Both in town and on the road, in case of any problem or emergency, emergency signaling must be connected to notify other users.

On the road, we must act with greater care due to the higher speed at which the vehicles circulate. Although it is an unforeseen and complicated situation, it is important to remain calm to act quickly and accurately without looking away from what is happening around you. Whenever you can, slow down and head towards the shoulder or to a side away from the main road, where the car and its occupants are protected.

Remember that, if you are forced to stop the car in a place that interferes with the movement of other vehicles, it is mandatory that you use emergency triangles. Do not forget that both the driver and passengers must put on the reflective clothing with reflective tape for clothing before leaving the vehicle. Failure to comply with these regulations and/or not use the triangles carries a fine of 200 Euros.

Once the presence of the vehicle is well marked and the occupants are not in danger, you can call the assistance service through your insurance company to come to help you or through any company specializing in roadside assistance. It is important that you stay away from the road to avoid abuses and that at no time you remove the reflective vest.

Children demand respect

The dark season holds danger in the traffic. This is what the action “Can you see me?”

In the past year, a total of 205 children in road traffic crashed in the city triangle. The dark season holds particularly many dangers. And this is exactly what this week saw the joint “Can you see me?” Action by the police and road patrol yesterday in the southern district.

In the intersection motorists were torn from their morning routine: Several large clusters of yellow glowing figures had positioned themselves at various points of the intersection and beamed the drivers in the dark from afar. These drove automatically slower to curious to see what was happening so unusual on the intersection. It was the children of the local daycare center and St. Josef, as well as students of the GGS, who demanded the attention of the drivers equipped with reflective safety vests and lanterns, with rattles and shouts and a large banner. “Can you see me?” Read on the poster.

One or the other motorist, who had been on the move, was stopped, enlightened and admonished by the policemen who accompanied the action. Drivers should know that children are unpredictable on the road, that pedestrians are less well off in the dark months, and reducing the speed protects the weakest road users, in this case, children as pedestrians, traffic police officer Michael summed up the key messages for motorists.

On the other hand, the children were taught that they had to make themselves visible to the rest of the road users, such as reflective safety vests, reflective materials on shoes, clothing, and backpacks which made of reflective fabric or just with the help of newly purchased lanterns, which were used for the first time, as Otto Mahler, chairman of the Traffic Watch told. Since 2015, the non-profit organization regularly distributes safety vests in day-care centers. Over the past three years, more than 1000 pieces have come together. Now 700 lanterns with the traffic signs “Tempo 30” have been added, which were distributed in advance to 40 Remscheid daycare centers. “The lanterns were financed by the Verkehrswacht Remscheid,” said Mahler. Developed by the Remscheid company Hamper and manufactured by the company from Wuppertal they should provide more security, at least make attentive and sensitize. “It is another building block in the task to increase the visibility of the children,” said Mahler.

In the St. Josef daycare center, the lanterns were not only used by the preschool children, who were standing on a green strip at the crossroads. “We have also used the lanterns on our Martin train to secure the movement and to make the parents aware of it,” said Kita director Stephanie Radix.

After all, even parents who drive their children to school themselves can sometimes become a source of danger on the morning way to school.

A parade in the city center before different actions

Several dozen “yellow vests” who wore yellow reflective vests formed a procession this Sunday afternoon in downtown, where the action could take a form other than the dams filtering.

Between 50 and 70 yellow vests marched in downtown, this Sunday, from 2:45 pm. They converged on the fair Saint-Martin installed place Jean, shouting “Fairgrounds with us”. The demonstrators had found support acquired since the fairground manufacturers are several to display the famous vest on their attractions. On Saturday 17 November, the first day of this mobilization, they were at the head of the snail operation which had gathered between 200 and 250 vehicles.

Stop what can penalize citizens

The call for this rally was launched via the Facebook group. A medium on which the communication will be redesigned, as indicated by Aurelia and Laetitia, two new spokespersons “yellow jackets” who wore reflective clothing with reflective tapes. The idea is to “stop the actions that can penalize citizens, but to ensure that this movement continues to be visible,” explained the two young women.

The members of the local movement agreed to stop the filter dams. However, it is expected that this place continues to host his lot of yellow vests, but no impact on traffic. In the ranks of the demonstrators gathered in front of the tourist office, some reminded moreover that they have been there daily for more than a week.

The two spokespersons did not wish to say more about the nature of future actions. This information will be delivered in priority to Yellow Vests via Facebook, a new group, closed this one, having been created. In addition, they indicate that a regrouping of movements at the Cornwall scale is underway. They had to meet officials from other cities, especially Quimper, this Sunday.

What should you know before traveling?

Poles do not shy away from foreign car trips. They often result from saving compared to, for example, air transport prices. Regardless of the reason for the decision to travel by own car to other countries, you should prepare yourself accordingly. Second movement rules in other countries usually differ from those in force in Poland.

Although the issues of equipping a car traveling on European roads are set out in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, in many countries, there is no shortage of different legal tools.

What to pay attention to before traveling abroad by car?

A national driving license is sufficient for traveling around Europe. The obligation to have an international driving license is min. In Mexico, Brazil or the United Arab Emirates. The issue of car documents and insurance looks different. Regardless of the direction of travel, you must take your registration document and proof of the OC policy with you. In addition, in the case of trips to countries outside the European Union, it is necessary to have an international insurance certificate. Colloquially, it is referred to as a “green card”.

Another important issue during the preparation for a foreign trip is checking traffic regulations with particular emphasis on all restrictions. It is worth paying attention to:

Speed limits on particular types of roads.

Regulations regarding the possession of a reflective vest with reflective tape for the driver and passengers.

Procedure for dealing with roadside checks.

Rules on the obligation to ride on winter tires (in winter).

How should a car be equipped for a foreign trip?

Thanks to the provision of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, it is enough that the car will be equipped with reflective materials that are required by national law. If the driver has everything he needs to drive in Poland, it is also sufficient for trips to other European countries.

At the same time, it should be noted that even the reflective vest is not considered as a car’s equipment and its possession is required in many countries. For your peace of mind, it is worth having not only a vest but also spare bulbs and fuses that can be useful in case of problems with the car.

As for the specific requirements for mandatory car equipment in the countries concerned, such data are published by the European Commission.

The police soon “shone” at the pedestrians in Ostrava

With the arrival of typically autumn weather and shorter days, accidents involving pedestrians are increasing every year. Experts believe it is advisable for pedestrians to have reflective materials in cities where it is not mandatory yet.

Fog, rain and still shortening the day. These factors, combined with carelessness and carelessness, are worth pedestrian accidents. Every year, police record an increased number of such cases. Accidents occur mostly in the evening and in the evening, but also in the morning when there is no daylight.

And on the pedestrian’s behavior in low visibility, the Moravian-Silesian police officers focused on Tuesday. “Enlighten” them in the morning on the busy Centro Street in Ostrava.

In this context, experts recommend that people have reflective features even in cities where it is not yet mandatory. The obligation applies only when the visibility is limited outside the community when moving along the edge or edge of the road in a location where there is no public lighting.

According to experts, it is important on the roads to observe the rule of seeing and being seen. Under reduced visibility, this is double. Many drivers who injured pedestrians said they did not see it at all or too late. Pedestrian visibility can be enhanced by suitably chosen colors of clothing, patches, and accessories from special materials. Still used are the reflective tapes that people put on their clothes or bags. They are visible up to 200 meters.