Tag: high visibility vest

Loss of points, defective brakes, visibility vest, what do you risk in the event of a bicycle traffic violation?

With the explosion of bicycle trips from confinement, it may be good to know that cyclists are also subject to the highway code … and that they can therefore be fined class 1 to 4 depending on the offense committed. Bicycles, cars without a license, or agricultural tractors are also subject to the same regime.

For the moment, scooters do not fall within this framework, but that could change. The only difference with a motorist is the withdrawal of point… There are however certain serious infractions which can result in a ban on driving all motor vehicles!

If you do not risk being withdrawn on a bicycle, a judge may however prevent you from operating a motor vehicle depending on the seriousness of the offense. Indeed, if you are tested while drunk on the handlebars or if you put the lives of others in danger, then you will no longer be allowed to drive for a maximum of 5 years.

Fines 1 st class:

This fine can be imposed on you if you drive your bike while on the phone. It is forbidden and it is punishable by a fine of 11 € (then 33 € increased)

2nd class fines :

Night traffic without a high visibility vest or phosphorescent yellow vest will cost you € 22 on-site, then € 35 or € 75 if you do not pay on time.

A fine of 3 rd class:

Is your braking system incorrect or defective? You will have to pay 45 € and up to 180 € if you pay after the deadline.

And 4 fines the class?

They are the most severely punished but are consequently mistakes committed! Driving while on the phone, denying priority to a car or a pedestrian, and this may be 90 € in a row or 375 € if you are deadbeat.

What about parking?

In Paris, bicycles are thrown on the sidewalks and become a rather unpleasant urban landscape. Be aware that in some large cities, putting your bike against a wall or along a sidewalk can be very expensive. The price of these fines is set by the municipalities and there is no maximum threshold!

 

Electric scooters: new obligations but still questions

To end the year and start the next, return, every day, to the articles of the Techni Club, the most consulted cities in 2020 over the months. Today, focus on September, and legal analysis of a decree concerning the use of electric scooters.

New mandatory equipment

A scooter, a Segway, a hoverboard … Since 1 st July 2020, all motorized moving vehicle must be equipped with new equipment:

front and rear lights

rear and side retro-reflective devices

a brake

an audible warning device.

A period had been allowed to allow equipment manufacturers and owners of such machines to equip themselves.

The decree of June 24, 2020, defines the characteristics of the compulsory lighting devices on these vehicles. Note also the decree of the same day relating to the high visibility vest, retro-reflective equipment, and additional lighting device worn by the driver of a motorized personal transport vehicle.

A contravention of 1 st class is incurred for each finding of lighting or signaling defect referred to in Article R.313-1 4 th paragraph (fixed fine of € 11 – NATINF 33348).

The braking device, provided for a new Article R. 315-7 of the Highway Code, is stipulated by the Decree of 21 July 2020. Failure text is sanctioned in a ticket for 1 st class.

Concerning the audible warning device, article R.313-33 of the Highway Code specifies that any motorized personal transport vehicle, like any cycle “must be fitted with a warning device consisting of a bell or a bell whose sound can be heard at least 50 meters away. The use of any other sound signal is prohibited”. The specifics of the buzzer for motorized EDP are specified in the decree of 22 July 2020. The offense is a contravention of 1 st class as for cycles.

New dimension obligations

Since 1 st July 2020, Article R.312-10 of the Highway Code is supplemented to clarify that the maximum width of 0.90 meters for vehicles of motorized personal travel. The same goes for articles R.312-11 which sets the maximum length for motorized personal transport vehicles at 1.35 meters. Failure to respect the dimensions is sanctioned by a 4th class fine (or more depending on the excess for the length).

What compulsory insurance?

If the highway code now has a definition of Displacement Vehicle (EDP) and regulates the traffic conditions of these vehicles, there is still some vagueness concerning insurance. Nothing in the decree of October 2019 refers to the insurance code.

Article L.211-1 of the Insurance Code specifies that “any natural person or any legal person other than the State, whose civil liability may be incurred as a result of damage suffered by third parties resulting from attacks on persons or goods in which a vehicle is involved must, to circulate it, be covered by insurance guaranteeing this liability”. The vehicles concerned are “any land motor vehicle, that is to say, any self-propelled vehicle intended to travel on the ground and which can be actuated by mechanical force without being linked to a railway track” (same article). According to article R.311-1 (6.14) of the Highway Code, since October 2019, the motorized EDP (EDPM) is indeed a vehicle and would therefore be affected by Article L.211-1 of the Insurance Code.

Ministerial confirmation

A ministerial response of February 27, 2020, specifies that “the Government wished to recall the insurance obligation to which users of electric scooters are subject”, unlike non-motorized EDPs such as scooters and electric-assisted bicycles.

Specific insurance?

According to the ministerial response, driving a motorized EDP may very well be covered by the multi-risk home drivers liability contract. The latter would be invited to check that their contract covers the motorized EDP or failing that, to take out a specific contract.

The guarantee by the civil liability insurance (RC) home is however far from being so obvious if one believes the insurance companies ( site of the national association of the users of electric micro-mobility). This point deserves to be confirmed.

What about the insurance certificate?

There is also the question of controlling the compulsory insurance. The Insurance Code provides that an insurance certificate must be affixed to vehicles including two or three wheels. In the latter case, for example for a motorcycle, the two-sided certificate must be visible “on the outside on a surface located in front of the plane formed by the front fork of the vehicles” (article A211-10 of the French Code of insurance). But nothing is said for “home” insurance which would provide coverage (according to the ministry), nor for monowheels which do not include a fork… Consequently, the control seems more complicated for the enforcement officers.

It would be wise to advise EDPM drivers to have proof of insurance with them (as for categorized dogs see page 21 of the 2010 circular ) in the absence of a sticker stuck on their vehicle …

In any case, the control can only be done in the presence of the owner or the driver of the EDPM, since there is no registration for these vehicles. Article 18 of the 2019 decree specifies that the provisions of article R.322-1 of the highway code do not apply to motorized vehicles which are therefore not subject to any obligation of registration.

Do police need to wear high visibility reflective vests when on duty?

Everybody has heard the urban myth about the driver who escaped a speeding fine because the police officer that issued his ticket wasn’t wearing a high visibility vest for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S). So, with CarAdvice reader Trent e-mailing us with that exact question this week, we set off to investigate.

 

Q: Hi guys. I love the site! Keep up the great work. I’m from Victoria and a friend told me recently that police can’t issue you with traffic infringements if they are not wearing high visibility reflective vests for safety. Is this right?

A: Good question, Trent. It’s one that has been doing the rounds for some time — where the individual fought a speeding fine because the police officer wasn’t wearing a high visibility reflective vest.

 

To get a definitive answer, we touched base with the Victoria Police to see what the ruling is in your state.

 

Victoria Police senior media officer, Ben Radisich, told CarAdvice:

 

“Members must wear a high visibility vest when performing a role where the primary function is road policing duties or when on roads near moving vehicles. Members will not be required to wear a high visibility vest:

 

Wherein the assessment of the member, wearing the vest represents a serious risk to health and safety (such as responding to an armed offender or siege situation); or

 

If authorized by a supervisor on a specific occasion, for specific duties or planned operations.

 

If members assess that wearing the high visibility vest on roads represents a serious risk to health and safety they must be able to justify such a decision if required to do so.”

 

So there you have it, Trent. Generally speaking, police officers must wear high visibility reflective vests when performing duties outside of their vehicles.

 

But, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to break the law and use technicalities to get around infringement notices.

 

Road safety warning issued ahead of strong winds, snow and ice

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a warning to road users ahead of difficult driving conditions over the next few days.

 

The advice comes on foot of three weather warnings issued by Met Éireann earlier today, Wednesday, March 11.

 

The warnings will effect 11 counties altogether: a Status Orange wind warning for Co. Donegal; a Status Yellow snow/ice warning for Co. Donegal; and a Status Yellow wind warning for counties Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Louth, Meath, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, and Clare.

 

The latter of these warnings will also apply to Co. Donegal when the Status Orange warning is not in effect.

 

Motorists traveling in these counties at the affected times are being advised to check the local traffic and weather conditions in the area before setting out on a journey.

 

For motorists driving in wet or windy conditions, the RSA gives the following advice:

 

Control of a vehicle may be affected by crosswinds, particularly high-sided vehicles and motorcycles;

Beware of objects blown onto the road, and expect road conditions to change quickly;

Watch out for fallen or falling debris, and vehicles veering across the road;

Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as they may be blown off-course;

Drivers need to slow-down in wet weather conditions, especially on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways, where there is an increased danger of aquaplaning;

Choose another route if the road ahead is flooded – do not drive through a flood. Floods could be deeper than they appear, and trees and branches in the water may not be visible;

Drivers should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic;

After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance, which helps to dry the brakes;

Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

The RSA has also outlined advice for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

 

This includes: wearing bright clothing with reflective armbands or a belt, as visibility for drivers will be reduced; taking special care when crossing the road or cycling in high winds; walking on footpaths where possible; and keeping an eye out for falling debris, especially in urban areas.

 

In terms of dealing with snow and ice, drivers are advised to:

 

Clear windows and mirrors with a screen scraper and de-icer – not hot water as this can crack the glass;

Remove snow from your vehicle, as it can slide onto the windows during braking and restrict your view;

Slow down; use all controls delicately, and leave extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Avoid oversteering, harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible. Select a low gear when traveling downhill;

Do not use the tail lights of the car in front as a guide. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn down the radio and let down the window slightly, so traffic can be heard;

Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow;

Watch out for vulnerable road users and allow extra space to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Pedestrians are advised to: wear bright clothing, or ideally a high-visibility jacket or reflective armbands and belt; wear appropriate footwear; and not underestimate the danger of ice, using extreme caution when walking in icy areas.

 

Finally, the advice to motorcyclists for taking to the road in snowy and icy conditions is to not compromise their safety by going on a journey when they could cancel it or use alternative transport.

 

Motorcyclists should also: wear a high-visibility vest; ensure lights are working properly, and avoid wearing a dark visor in bad light conditions.

 

Also, other road users may not expect motorcyclists, which could compromise safety.

Yellow vests were made for Heart Hangers

While the Angevin festival is fast approaching, the time has come to dress in its most beautiful coat of light. And this year, it will be necessary to respect the theme of the building sites. Head to the Grand Theater to customize a yellow reflective vest.

 

Plumbing pipes, duct tape, pieces of cardboard, orange fabric… and of course, the famous yellow construction vest. Since August 28, when we go to the first floor of the Grand Theater of Angers, the room seems to have turned into a real fashion workshop.

 

Because to stick to the theme of the yards of Heartbeats, 7, 8 and 9 September, it will be necessary to dress accordingly. The yellow vest obliges. And to set herself apart from others, Caroline de Pommereau, a set designer, provides daily advice to participants in the dress code workshops between 2 pm and 6 pm “I imagined a place where you can create, cut … not just customize your yellow vest. ”

 

In the vast hall of the Grand Theater, busts of models are covered with the artist’s creations. There a woman’s bust with epaulettes and a puff skirt in orange paper. Here a man’s bust with ribbon tape for red and white plastic work. Tuesday, August 28, for the first session of the season, about twenty people have been busy making their dress of light, they will wear during the Angevin festival.

 

As soon as I arrive, I immediately warn the designer. I do not have the soul of an artist. Caroline de Pommereau advises me to cut the two edges of the vest at the waist, the latter being too wide for me. Seeing the yellow vest transformed into a dress mentioned above, I start making a skirt. I search through all the objects and fabrics offered and decide on a burgundy colored paper and a white and red plastic ribbon.

 

A felt paper sign

With the paper and with a stapler and a pair of scissors, I make a skirt, which I hang on the yellow high visibility vest. Then, I cut the paper to make fringes. I then make a belt. Result: I am not really convinced. I look at a girl next to me. She makes a traffic sign with red and black felt paper, and it’s really very successful. “I wanted to do a lot of them, but when I see how long it takes, I think I’ll do just one,” she says.

 

Next to 15-year-old Leonora, her brother Constant explains that he is making “a belt with small beige plastic tubes”. At the other end of the room, 9-year-old Louis turns his yellow vest into a SCO jersey, with his name written with reflective tape and a logo of the football team.

 

Little by little, participants leave the room, yellow vest in hand, ready to parade with. Those who only have their daily clothes in their closets can still register, and why not, become the most beautiful or the most beautiful heart-catchers.

 

“Learn to grow with security”

The Councilor for the Environment, Joaquin Villa on, visited this morning the Mobile Training Unit (UMF) of the school campaign “Learn to grow with security”, installed in the park of La Palomar, where students of CEIP Pieta Salvador Rued have received training on risk prevention.

The U.M.F. of “Securitas” is the main scenario for this activity, with different educational games in which, in a playful and fun way, topics such as dangers of electricity, cuts, the dangers of poisoning with chemicals, burns or falls.

Educational play activity in which the students participate is divided into several phases. In the first place, they receive the comic-bus, in which funny vignettes appear, which represent situations that give rise to child accidents and indicate measures of prevention and protection that must be adopted to avoid accidents. The protagonist of the comic is Security @ as a prevention mascot (sewn-in reflective fabric), who will help them to have a healthy life without accidents.

Next, a mimicry game is performed with two participants chosen at random, who simulate a cut and an asphyxia. The rest of the classmates must guess what happened (accident), what are the causes (risks) and how they should act so that the accident does not happen (prevention).

The students have also worked with panels representing various types of accidents. Two volunteers who wear reflective vests have had to order 6 cartoons divided into two paths: green, security and red, danger. In the first, the characters of the vignettes heed the advice of Security @ and avoid danger, so the situation ends in a happy ending. In the second, by not taking into account the preventive message of Security @, the characters adopt the path of “no prevention”, which ends in an accident.

The transfer of chemical products and work with personal protective equipment (EPI) has been other aspects that the campaign has addressed, to which end the students have received a high visibility vest. Then, as a reminder of the day, a group photo was taken, accompanied by the monitors of the activity.

The yellow or safety vest is now mandatory

Bikers are housed in the same way as motorists regarding the possession of a safety vest. Whether you ride in two wheels, three wheels or quad, the yellow vest is mandatory.

The regulations came into effect on January 1, 2016. It will cost you € 11 if you do not have it during a check by the police. What? The reflective vest or yellow motorcycle vest.

Note that it is not necessary to wear it, but simply to have it at hand in a storage or net.

By cons, in case of emergency stop (accident, breakdown), you must wear it if you get off your machine. Otherwise, you risk a fine of 135 €.

Remember that this is a measure that allows you to be visible to other road users in case of problems, because you become more vulnerable. Read our article on what is changing on January 1, 2016 for motorists and motorcyclists

Reminder to motorists

A booster for motorists, the requirements of the high visibility vest and the pre-signaling triangle remain valid. For fines, they are identical, namely:

€ 11 in case of immediate non-presentation of the triangle or vest, in case of a road check. If you do not have both, you will be verbalized twice!
135 € in case of non-use of the triangle and / or vest. You risk only one fine in this case.

How to behave if Vehicle failure

How to behave in the event of a vehicle was breakdown on the road? If possible, push the car onto the roadside or sidewalk. Car breakdown – put on a safety vest. First, we must take care of our safety. After immobilizing the vehicle, we should turn on emergency lights. The next step should be to put on a reflective vest – every driver, although there is no legal obligation in Poland, should have it in the car.

 

Ideally, there would be vests for all passengers in the car. Remember to keep the vest in the cabin, not in the hard-to-reach trunk. The cost of buying a vest is small and its impact on safety is huge. After sunset, the lack of reflections means that we are visible to the driver of the oncoming vehicle only when there are 20 meters ahead – reflections increase this distance to 130 meters. This huge difference gives the driver time for the right response. In addition, please note that reflective vests in most European countries are already mandatory vehicle equipment.

 

Wearing a high visibility vest, driver, and passengers should safely leave the vehicle. Being in a vehicle exposes us to additional risk. Many people die in vehicles that are inactivated by a breakdown. Speed, wrong marking of a broken vehicle, difficult road conditions means that drivers enter a broken car.

 

“When leaving the vehicle, pay special attention to children. Let us get them out of the right side and hide immediately on the roadside behind safety barriers or in a zone where there is no risk of driving another vehicle, “instructor Auto School. The vehicle in addition to the hazard lights should be marked with a warning triangle. Every car must be equipped with it. His lack is not only a sign of carelessness for his safety, but also the risk of receiving a fine of 50 to 200 PLN.

 

By marking the vehicle with a triangle, we should have in our head the provisions of the road code. If you are on a highway or expressway, the triangle should be set 100 meters from the vehicle. The triangle should be on the roadway or shoulder. Outside the built-up area, the triangle is set at a distance of 30-50 meters from the vehicle, and in the built-up area – just behind the vehicle or on the vehicle at a height not higher than one meter.

 

Our life and health do not have a price. The car’s equipment with reflective vests, learning the rules of conduct in the event of a failure is a small effort if we put our safety at the stake.

Children and adults shone with reflective vest

“Reflective be it safe to live” – such was the slogan of the celebration of the Primary School. Marcie in Grab, taking part in the competition “Reflective School”.

 

The students and their teachers promoted the wearing of high visibility vest wandering through the village, among others to the House of Culture, where the main part of the celebration took place.

 

During the meeting, the art contest “Reflective Owl” was summarized. The students took part in a game about the rules of road safety; there were also thematic artistic presentations.

 

There was also a ceremonial fit for the pupils of the youngest children, who on this occasion received not only school ID cards and commemorative diplomas, but also reflective vests.

Nearly half of those killed on the roads are pedestrians

A woman and a man without high visibility vest, in the avenue of Festers, were the last passers-by to be run over on the Costa. It happened on February 6. However, so far in 2018 the outrages accounted for seven. There were two victims. On January 11, Martinez, 53 years old was run in Cures. In Cabrillo there are four people who have been run over, two of them a couple, on January 30 in the avenue of Festers.

 

Victims of abuse, far from being reduced, remain dangerous in time, to such an extent that they represent almost half of those killed in the roads in the area. In 2016, four of the nine victims were registered. In Traffic of the Civil Guard, they have a well-defined profile of the deceased and wounded: person of about 70-80 years, who circulated without reflective garments and did it outside the enabled steps. In some cases, they traveled in the middle of the night on roads that are forbidden for passers-by, such as the Braganza highway and on the Costa Mote highway. The latter registered its first and only deceased since its implementation at the end of July 2016. It happened on October 11, 2017 when José, 76 years old and resident, lost his life. He walked through the middle of the two lanes, felt Festers and without any reflective clothing.

 

Before this rebound of the accident rate, with pedestrians involved, the Provincial Traffic Headquarters in collaboration with the Subsector of Traffic of the Civil Guard of A Corunna, yesterday began a prevention campaign in the DP-1914, between Adana and Enteric. The objective is to raise awareness among residents of the problems that exist on the Costa and the risk of violating the instructions on road safety. This campaign included the delivery of reflective vests, donated by the Junta Galicia, among neighbors in the area.