Cyclists would be forced to wear reflective vest

Senators entered a project that provides “the use of high visibility vest during the night and when visibility conditions make it necessary.” “During the night and when visibility conditions make it necessary, bicycle drivers should always wear a high visibility reflective vest.” This is the main slogan of the bill that senators Alejandro Navarro, Lily and Antonio Horvath entered Congress.

 

The initiative that modifies the article 80 of the law 18,290, of Transit, establishing and that it will have to be studied by the Commission of Transports and Telecommunications. They emphasize that “in spite of the advantages that the bicycle presents like means of transport many cyclists and people. In general, they have difficulties to use it on a daily basis, among which is the insecurity of their cities, whose geography is not adequate to circulate in their streets, except that the drivers of vehicles do not respect their pace and therefore can be victims of an accident traffic”.

 

In addition, the legislators indicated, “Law No. 18.290 says nothing in relation to mandatory safety measures for bicycle drivers during their driving at night and when visibility conditions make it necessary, taking into account the statistics.”

 

In the same line, they explained, “the security elements allow to prevent traffic accidents and / or reduce the possible damages and injuries that they may cause. In this sense, the implementation and proper use of security elements such as the high visibility reflective safety vest ostensibly reduce the risk of injury in the event of traffic accidents.”

 

“The use of reflective material considerably reduces the possibility of being run over on public roads, especially in situations of poor visibility, alerting drivers to the situation of risk. If using the reflective vest allows a visibility of 150 meters, distance that allows to avoid the reflective, it is reduced to about 30 meters when it is not carried, which prevents an adequate reaction from the driver”, highlighted the senators.

Safety vest mandatory in Germany since July

Since 1 July, it is mandatory to have at least one reflective safety vest in the car in Germany. This measure applies to motorists, truck and bus drivers.

 

The safety vests must be stored within easy reach, so not in the trunk. The ANWB advises you to take a safety vest in the car for all occupants.

 

In commercially used vehicles (including foreign ones), a safety vest must already be present for every occupant. The high visibility vest is not required for motorcyclists and motor home drivers.

 

The vests are already mandatory in several other European countries, such as Belgium, France, Austria, Spain and Italy. Those who cannot show the reflective vest after 1 July after a check risk a fine of € 15.00. Curious about what else you should have with you in the car in Germany?

He had killed a 17-year-old cyclist with no reflective vest

The motorist who mowed Adrian, 17, March 27 in Riches, was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison, two suspended and put to the test. He committed the irreparable. Killed a 17 year old kid who was riding a bike without reflective vest. The high school student who should have passed his baccalaureate has died as a result of his injuries.

 

Adrian was coming home from a party with two friends. Yes, they had drunk alcohol, a dozen glasses. Yes, Adrian had no reflective safety vest or lighting on his bike. But no, he did not commit any fault on the road to Orchids, at the exit of Felines. The faults are Sebastian Quieting who committed them. He also came back from a party, had 0.96 g of alcohol in his blood, and was driving too fast.

 

The driver did not stop after the collision. Although he had twice been to the scene of the accident, he did not go to the police until he had told his roommate that he was back home. “Almost immediately,” says Quentin Lobes, his lawyer. “I hit Adrian but I did not see him coming,” said the defendant. In addition, after that, it was total panic for me. ”

 

“He did not see him, he killed him and he left,” says Azania prosecutor Julian-Rama. In deciding to drive, he decided to put someone in danger. It was Adrian. The motorist crashed after making a mistake on the highway. “It was raining,” he explains. “But why do we leave the wheel to a person who does not take the right road to get back?” He did not even have the courage to stop when he went back and forth on the scene! His cowardice is to have refused to face reality. ”

 

He had just recovered his license

The motorist without high visibility vest had already been warned: between 2003 and 2016, he committed at least ten speeding, refused a priority, a Stop, already driven under the influence of alcohol … He had just recovered his license when the accident took place and that, it deserves three years of prison with mandate of deposit for the parquet floor. A punishment required under the blow of “emotion,” for Me Lobes: “He took a life without wanting it. If he had wanted to flee his responsibilities, he would have surrendered the next day, on an empty stomach. However, no, he goes right away, alcoholic. “It’s extremely hard for me,” the defendant says head down. I live a hell, certainly not at the same level as the family, but I would have liked so much that it does not happen … “He has been in detention since yesterday.

 

Fluorescent motorcycle vests: What is the point?

This will only be surprising to the departments concerned, but here is another proof of the lack of usefulness of the latest CNSR recommendation regarding the fluorescent safety vest. In addition, we do not say it, or a pro-motorcycle organization, far from it.

 

On June 21, the National Road Safety Council gave a layer about the “safety” vest for bikers. The recommendation in question concerns the use of this retro-reflective device, which is supposed to avoid over-accidents in the event of a fall in low visibility or a night stop, with the threat of a fine of € 35.

Those who want to revel in the details of this obligation that does not say his name will be able to consult our dedicated news. The others, wondering if the transport of a vest under the saddle to quickly put it on after a fall will lower the vulnerability of motorized two-wheelers, will have their answer thanks to … Vinci Auto routes.

 

If you do not see the truck, will you see the biker?

On Twitter, the company Vinci has announced that two of their intervention vehicles were struck on Tuesday. With a more than conspicuous decoration, combining fluorescent colors, rotating beacons and multiple retro-reflective bands, it seems incredible that a motorist cannot see such a van and end up crashing into it.

 

Who sit at the CNSR, do you really think that imposing the transport of a motorcycle, or scooter vest (without sanctioning its absence, such as the breathalyzer) is more urgent and will save more lives than the fight against the causes of such collisions? Between two orders of speed cameras, could we not, for example, put in place controls, not speed only, but awakening? After all, who hits a fluorescent yellow truck for lack of vigilance will he pay more attention to a biker with high visibility vest, visually much less impressive, even painted yellow. The example given by Vinci Auto routes today can make us doubt…

 

The same motorway companies had already published statistics going against general communication, pointing to drowsiness and drugs as major causes of accidents on their network.

 

The safety vest often in the trunk of the car

Several times a year police officers investigate tragic accidents in which not only the pedestrians, but also the drivers who are now outside the vehicle, will come to life. Often they have a common denominator – they were not seen in time, because they were not wearing a reflective vest.

 

Whether the situation has changed, dozens of young police officers in the Central Bohemian region have been investigating the field. “Drivers are almost always in the car with one vest, which is part of the mandatory equipment. Not everyone knows where to put the high visibility vest. About half of the checked drivers had her in the trunk. That’s bad, “explained Lucie, a spokesman for the Malta police.

 

She warned that it was necessary to have a reflective vest available in the cabin of the vehicle, in case of an emergency stop and a show on the unlit traffic. “It’s important to realize that if they hit another vehicle in the trunk of their vehicle, they would not have to get out of the safety vest because it could block the door,” the police spokesperson added.

 

The security action was also focused on the technical condition of vehicles, document check, and whether drivers are not driving under the influence of alcohol. He is also a frequent culprit of traffic accidents. Last year, for example, he signed for nineteen car ambles, while pedestrians were, according to current police statistics, responsible for six accidents.

You must have a fire brigade and safety vest in car

Are you planning to go to Europe by car? Then, besides the mandatory safety equipment that is valid in the Czech Republic, you should get some extra stuff. In addition, sometimes such requests are strange. Look at them at a glance.

 

Reflective vests, gloves, triangle – Even such details can make Czech drivers more difficult to spend abroad. When traveling to another European country, make sure you have everything in your car that you have. In some countries, the mandatory equipment differs significantly from the Czech Republic. Check out what you have to bring with you in accordance with ÚAMK in selected European countries.

 

Fire extinguisher

Many drivers are surprised to have a fire extinguisher in some European countries. This is true for cars, bikers or cyclists, of course, not necessarily. Have a fire extinguisher if you are traveling to Bulgaria, Romania, Poland or Greece.

 

Reflective vests

Even in the Czech Republic, it is sometimes unclear to drivers whether they need a reflective vest for everyone or just for themselves. Everyone who is out of the car because of an emergency must wear a vest in France, Italy or Poland, but also in Slovakia and Slovenia. In Austria and Croatia, it is enough to have a high visibility vest only for drivers.

 

 

Insert the reflective vest into the storage compartment

Reflective vest – in Poland, passenger car drivers do not have to have it, but they should. It costs only PLN 7-10 and can save a life. In most European countries, reflective vests are mandatory equipment for cars and trucks (in some also motorcycles).

 

From 1 July, the obligation to have a vest was introduced in Germany. Its lack means a mandate of 15 Euros. The obligation applies only to drivers of cars registered in Germany, but for the sake of their own safety, it is also worth respecting them with us. In countries where vests are compulsory, they must be worn whenever the driver and passengers have to leave the vehicle, for example as a result of a breakdown or accident, on a highway or other road – except of course parking lots.

 

Reflective vests are already valid in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (applies to foreigners), Croatia, Finland (you can have reflective stripes), France, Spain, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and in Italy. The regulations are not uniform – in one country, you only need one vest in the car and in others, and all passengers must have it. In some countries, this obligation also applies to motorcyclists and cyclists, if they are traveling on roads after dusk.

 

We advise you not to look for loopholes and apply the maximum variant – take as many retro-reflective vests as possible for the number of passengers traveling. The vest costs from 7 to 10 zlotys. You can buy it at every gas station, in supermarkets, on the internet. Let us just remember to meet the norm – reflective vests are allowed in 3 colors: yellow, orange or red-orange. It must also have 2 reflective stripes at the front and back.

 

When buying vests, do not forget about children, in the event of a car breakdown or an accident, they will be particularly vulnerable. Reflective vests must be carried in the cabin of the car, and not – as most drivers do – in the trunk. The idea is to be able to put on a high visibility vest before leaving the car. We would also like to remind you: in the event of a breakdown or accident, a warning triangle should be put in front of the car; passengers should get out of the car not on the road, only on the right side, on the roadside. It is not allowed to stay on the road without having to go down to the side or the barrier as soon as possible.

 

10 mistakes not to do if the car stops on the highway

If you remain applauded during a journey, you should not lose your temper and know how to behave, an error could have serious consequences. These are potentially dangerous situations, especially if in the dark of the evening or night, the reflective vest is necessary for safety, often dealing with non-illuminated sections and the speed is much higher than the city streets.

 

  1. DO NOT MISS THE CALM

Staying stuck is always annoying, even worse if you are traveling with your family and the car loaded with luggage. The first advice is to maintain calm and clarity, we must quickly think about what to do to get in safety and not become a danger to other drivers. So stay calm and try to cheer your passengers, especially if there are children on board, a crisis of collective panic could lead to wrong maneuvers or actions.

 

  1. NEVER PUSH THE CAR

If traveling on the highway the car should fail, it will hardly stop suddenly, unless some serious mechanical failure. If the car is switched off during the march, we use the embrace to reach or get as close as possible to the emergency lane or if possible, an emergency stop. Never get out of the car with the intent to push it, it would put at risk their own and others’ safety. Better turn on the four arrows, take cover behind the guardrail (always come down from the right side of the car and pay attention to the viaducts) and signal to the cars that come along the possible roadway occupied by the damaged vehicle.

 

  1. HIGH VISIBILITY VEST

When it is necessary to get off the car stationary on the roadway or on the emergency lane and in any case outside the inhabited areas, at night and in conditions of poor visibility, it is compulsory to wear a high visibility vest or reflective shoulder straps. Since the obligation also applies to passengers who have to leave the car temporarily. The jacket must always be worn, even if you plan to get out of the car for a few seconds. The advice, given the low cost of protection, is to keep at least two vests aboard and store them in a place easy to reach, perhaps in the pockets of the doors and one on each side. Failure to comply with the obligation is sanctioned up to € 169 and a reduction of 2 points on the license.

 

  1. THE TRIANGLE THIS UNKNOWN

Beyond the reflective vest is mandatory to have on board an approved type triangle. Keep in mind that the triangle is usually stored inside the boot, often in the spare wheel well, so if you travel with a car full of luggage, access is problematic. If you have to leave the car quickly, first you can secure the passengers behind the guardrail and maybe later retrieve it while another passenger, wearing the high visibility vest, acts as a warning to the cars that arrive.

 

  1. EMERGING THE ROAD

If our car has stopped during the march, it will be difficult to restart it; it less than being mechanical and having spare parts and tools on board; there are few operations and interventions that we can carry out in the hope of resuming the march. Keep in mind that a car on the edge of the carriageway or in an emergency lane is still a potential hazard and must be removed as soon as possible and in any case within three hours of being stopped.

 

  1. CALLING THE ROAD RESCUE

Therefore, you need to call an emergency service and request the dispatch of a tow truck, which will remove the car and allow us to repair in a safer place of the road. Given the costs of the service, it is certainly convenient to take out insurance with one of the many companies that provide the roadside assistance service.

 

  1. KNOW YOUR POSITION

When calling the roadside assistance it is essential to know and communicate the exact point where you are with the car. You can take advantage of the progressive hexametrical signs placed on the left side of the roadway, these report every 100 meters kilometers and hundreds of meters (in Roman numbers) traveled from the beginning of the motorway section or missing at the end of the motorway if traveled from the point end. Using a Smartphone, if you are in an area covered by the operator, you can send the rescuers the exact location using the GPS if present in the terminal.

 

  1. AUTOSTOP FORBIDDEN

Once you have left the car and if you are traveling alone, you might be tempted to ask another driver for a ride and maybe leave our car with the four arrows and the triangle in place. Know that it is a dangerous mistake and is also prohibited by the Highway Code, to stop a motorist for a ride would create a potentially dangerous situation for traffic and it is easy to imagine the consequences of a rear-end collision.

 

  1. PREVENT TROUBLES AND MISCELLANEOUS

A sudden failure can occur on any car, but on a car in perfect working order, the odds are certainly minor. Therefore, it is advisable to check your car carefully, check the levels, the battery efficiency, and proceed with a possible change of oil and filters.

 

10 A KIT TO KEEP IN CAR

In addition to mandatory signaling devices, it is a good idea to have on board an emergency kit, simple but useful tools that you need to have at your fingertips. The ideal safety kit should include a flashlight with batteries, disposable gloves, battery cables, a set of spare bulbs for the light clusters, a first aid box, a set of tools, of the adhesive tape (it is useful to fix something that has broken in place). It is convenient to equip your car with one or more USB sockets to allow you to charge cell phones if necessary, perhaps taking care to always leave a cable suitable for charging on board.

 

High visibility vest mandatory on board

A government decree will oblige motorcyclists to bring along the already widespread reflective vest on cars and trucks starting from 1 January.

 

With the decree number 514/2015, last May 7, the French government introduced the obligation for all motorcyclists (including quad and three wheel pilots) to have on board a high visibility vest while they are driving.

 

Naturally, there is no obligation to wear it, even if the hi visibility clothing culture for safety reasons, especially in the city, is more common than in Italy. However, simply to take it with you to use it, similarly to what happens with cars and trucks (in the photo the campaign for transalpine safety, testimonial of the fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld) in the event of an emergency stop if you have to get off the vehicle at the side of the road.

 

A maneuver does not affect us. However, remember to bring safety vest with you that you normally leave by car if you plan trips to the French land starting from 1 January…

 

 

The useful things to bring in the car

If you go on a road trip, do you know exactly the elements that, as a rule of Traffic, you must carry in your car to drive? In addition to this mandatory safety equipment, we also recommend other accessories that may be very useful for your safety.

 

The cars have to carry some elements that are obligatory and that always have to be in the vehicle in case we should need them at some time. In addition, it is advisable to carry other accessories that in case of emergency can get you out of trouble.

 

Mandatory equipment

Two portable approved hazard-signaling devices (so-called, by their shape, triangles).

A high visibility reflective vest also approved. It is advisable that the vest is inside the passenger compartment (not in the trunk), so you can wear it before getting off the car.

The wheel can be of normal size, auxiliary (cookie wheels), or be replaced by an safety kit. Tools needed to change the wheel. Remember that it is compulsory, to travel in certain places, to carry a set of chains (whether metallic or textile) or winter tires. If the vehicle is public transport, mixed or merchandise, or a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg, you must carry an extinguisher.

 

Moreover, is the car insurance, glasses and spare lights?

Since the last reform of the Traffic Law came into effect, it is no longer necessary to carry additional glasses in the car, or to include the car insurance receipt between the documentation papers. The traffic agents can consult the informative file of insured vehicles (FIVA), to check if the vehicle has insurance in order. However, although it is not mandatory, our advice is that you include the proof of insurance payment with the rest of the vehicle’s documentation and some spare glasses. It costs nothing and can avoid problems if you forget your glasses or, for whatever reason, the existence of the insurance did not appear or it was possible to connect to this computerized file at the time to obtain the information.

 

As for the replacement lamp set, it is not mandatory either, just like the high visibility vest. There are more and more cars with Xenon or LED lights (replacement can only be done in a professional workshop) and, with respect to “normal” bulbs, it is becoming more and more complicated to disassemble them.