reflective clothing Archives

Tips on Walking and Cycling Safely

Police Chief Andrew Caggiano wanted to remind residents of some safety tips for riding bicycles and walking along township roads as they get out of their homes to enjoy some fresh air and get a break from self-isolation during the COVID-19 crisis.

Bicycling:

Any person riding a bicycle on the street must use the right side of the road.

Follow the rules of the road, as if you are driving a car.

Always wear a helmet.

Wear bright, reflective clothing with reflective fabric.

Avoid wearing headphones, at least not in both ears.

Slow down at intersections.

Look drivers in the eye when a potentially dangerous situation might ensue; be sure they see you.

Be predictable, and signal your turns.

Always look behind you or in a mirror before veering/swerving left into the lane of traffic.

Do not ride on the sidewalk.

Wave your arms if you are unsure of your visibility, especially at intersections or with cars turning right, into your lane.

Ride defensively, as if every driver is on a cell phone, not paying attention, or on drugs, and never give a driver the benefit of doubt.

Pedestrians, including runners, should follow these safety tips:

Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you. Utilize sidewalks when available.

Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.

Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.

Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.

Carry a cell phone.

Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.

DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during the evening or early morning runs.

Have fun and be safe!

Students use reflective tape on backpacks to stay safe at bus stops

WBTV is on your side tonight with a safety tip for parents looking to keep their kids safe at bus stops after Olympic High School student Zoe Deen was hit by a car and killed while trying to catch the bus along a busy street in southwest Charlotte Tuesday morning.

According to police Zoe was not wearing any reflective clothing and the street was not lit with street lights.

WBTV learned Wednesday that administrators at Tuttle Elementary School in Catawba County have been providing reflective tape for students to place on their bookbags while standing at the bus stop.

“It’s a safety issue. If a car’s light bounces off it and they’re paying attention and they see it, hey, they see my kid,” parent Jason Lambert said.

Lambert has four children of his own and two of them have to catch the school bus before 7 a.m.

“My kids are very important to me. They keep me going,” Lambert said.

A WBTV reporter drove around the neighborhood near the bus stop where Deen was killed. After the sun set it was clear just how dark the streets can become.

However, with the reflective tape placed on some of the students, it’s clear figures are moving in the darkness.

“It looks like it’s glowing like a glow stick,” student Nitara Lambert said.

The principal at Tuttle Elementary tells us that some school bus drivers in the county have had trouble spotting some students in the darkness and this year county officials decided it would be okay to offer the reflective tape to students.

“When there’s that movement to be able to see and recognize that that’s a student coming toward you then that just helps the bus driver out. From a safety standpoint. I think it’s a great idea,” said Mitzi Story, the principal at Tuttle Elementary School.

Students Shiloh and Nitara Lambert both agree.

“I like how I want to be safe and they want to make me safe and I like how cars can see me,” Nitara said.

The story said she would recommend the reflective tape to other local schools.

Pedestrian safety advocate speaks out after police give reflective armbands to seniors

Pedestrian and cycling safety advocates are speaking out after Toronto police officers handed out reflective armbands to seniors at an event aimed at raising awareness about pedestrian safety.

Officers who attended the event, which was held at Woodside Square mall in Scarborough on Saturday, offered up safety tips to pedestrians and handed out reflective armbands to elderly residents.

The move sparked an outcry from pedestrian safety advocates, including Friends and Families for Safe Streets spokesperson Jessica Spieker.

“The reason that no road safety advocate likes this approach is that all of the evidence tells us it simply won’t work,” Spieker told CP24 on Monday.

“It is a waste of money, time, energy, and other resources to be essentially trampling the Charter rights of seniors because we all have a Charter right to freedom of personal expression and that includes our clothing choices.”

Coun. Mike Layton also weighed in on the controversy at the city hall on Monday, noting that he does not think it is reasonable to expect people to wear reflective armbands to protect themselves.

“I don’t know what they do in other parts of the world and whether or not this is something that works. All I do know is I don’t think we can expect everyone to wear an armband just to try to feel safe,” he said.

But not all city councilors share Layton’s views.

Ward 6 Coun. James Pasternak took to Twitter on Monday to voice his support for reflective clothing with reflective fabric .

“Wearing high visibility clothing or reflective gear is a key part of keeping everyone safe, including pedestrians, construction workers, cyclists, police officers, and crossing guards,” he wrote in a tweet.

Spieker said that there have been no studies to suggest that wearing reflective gear is a good way to prevent pedestrian deaths.

“There is no evidence that it works. Any study that has looked at high (visibility clothing) on vulnerable road users doesn’t find much of an impact. One study found it made things worse. So we know this isn’t going to have an impact and yet were focusing on it anyway,” she said.

She said improving the design of infrastructure is the main way to reduce collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.

“Our current road design induces drivers to speed. We have these wide, straight lines. It looks a lot like Highway 401 so people tend to drive that way… predictably blowing red lines, making inattentive turns, they strike pedestrians who have the right of way,” she said.

“We lose one vulnerable road user per week roughly… This is not a trivial issue and this is not something that we should be delaying and playing games around.”

Spieker noted that the city could improve road safety by adding things like protective barriers.

“These are not expensive. They are not difficult to do,” she said. “There is no reason to not just aggressively pursue what we know will work.”

The required elements for bike riding

The use of bicycle lighting, reflectors, and properly visible clothing is necessary for safe cycling both during the day and at night, because by determining our position on the road, we become noticeable to other road users. Cyclists “invisibility” increases the chance of being hit by, for example, a car, which is why every reasonable cyclist should be aware of the fact that being visible is the same as being safe on the road. It is also obvious that thanks to the lights when driving after dusk we will bypass dangerous obstacles. So what lighting to choose, where to put reflectors and is visible clothing only the one in bright colors?

At the beginning of the considerations regarding bicycle lighting, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the parameters that define them. Looking at the lamps of individual manufacturers, we will notice the information on the number of lumens (lm) or lux (lx) that characterize given light sources. These concepts often appear interchangeably as if they mean the same. Of course, this is not the case and due to the lack of knowledge in this aspect, you can be unpleasantly surprised. With the displacement of ordinary light bulbs and their replacement with modern LEDs, cotton wool was replaced with lumens. A lumen is a unit of measure for luminous flux, that is, it determines the light output of the lamp. Lux is, in turn, a unit of light intensity and determines what luminous flux falls on one square meter of surface.

Daytime driving

Usually, when buying bicycle lighting, customers wonder how much the lamp they are interested in shines and how long the battery that powers it is working. These criteria are the most accurate, only that they usually refer to driving at dusk. However, before we start pedaling in the dark, it is worth considering how to ensure safety during daytime driving.

According to the regulations, the bicycle does not have to have lighting with normal visibility during the day, only reflectors that determine the position are sufficient. Nevertheless, lamp manufacturers offer us a wide selection of daytime running lights. Why this overprotection related to the need to spend another PLN? The offer of companies in this area is motivated by an analogy to the daytime running lights used in cars and motorbikes, and therefore the decrease in the number of accidents. Of course, every cyclist has the right to decide for themselves in this matter whether the above-mentioned statistics appeal to him, but solutions that manufacturers use, such as headlight amplification or uneven flickering and different intensity of the rear light are very interesting and probably helpful. If you decide to use bicycle lighting for daytime riding, you should choose, first of all, the brightest rear lamp flashing unevenly and a relatively brightly lit front lamp, which will also be equipped with a flashing mode. Front lighting with power over 100 lm is sufficient for driving during the day, while at the rear it is worth to arm yourself with a minimum of 20 lm. It is worth noting that the lamps are mounted in the right places and at the right angle, so that they shine in the right direction, towards approaching cars, and that they do not dazzle other road users.

Fluorescent clothing

Every cyclist should be at heart to be visible on the road during the day, by wearing appropriate clothing. During the day, fluorescent colors work best. This is because the sun’s rays ‘react’ with fluorescent materials and give them a glow effect. It should be remembered that clothing in so-called Fluo colors without sunlight just isn’t effective. I am aware that not all cyclists are lovers of clothing brightness. For lovers of two wheels, which are closer to subdued colors, it is recommended to use fluorescent accents on moving parts of the body (legs) or outfit colors other than black. It is worth using the contrast method in this respect because any color that makes us stand out a little bit on the road will make us be noticed.

Night riding

While during the day, in conditions of normal visibility, the law does not require cyclists to install front and rear lights, after dark, as well as front and rear reflectors, are mandatory equipment of the bicycle. The lighting should be strong enough to make us visible to other road users from at least 150 meters.

The choice of a light source to pedal after dark should be adapted to the type of ride. So if you drive mainly around the city lit with lanterns, then you do not need lamps that have 500 lm of power. All you need is inexpensive LED lighting from leading manufacturers, whose power when it comes to the front lamp reaches approx. 150 lm, and at the back above 18 lm.

For people who are passionate about road riding, sunset does not necessarily mean the end of the fun. It is best to plan a journey on a route that you know very well, so as not to be surprised by a hole in the road. It is also worth buying two lights for both the front and rear of the bike. Then, not only that we ensure excellent visibility, but we will also protect ourselves in the event of a failure or battery depletion in one of the light sources. For road riding, you should choose front lights that emit focused light. Both in the city and outside it, above all, the rear light should flicker to attract drivers’ attention even more than the steady light. Also, it is good to buy lighting in shape and size other than a round, small spot. In the front, we can also afford a flashing mode, if it wasn’t a strobe mode, which just often irritates other traffic participants. Reflectors will also be a wise choice. Of course, I do not mean the obligatory ones: front and rear, but additionally on wheels, for example. Although they may not look professional, they also ensure the visibility of the cyclist from the side.

Lighting for driving after dusk in the field

Do you know by heart any protruding root on your favorite forest trail and think that it won’t surprise you anymore? Ride it after dark and you will experience amazing silence, sharpen your senses and start playing with it again. First, however, choose the right lighting. In this regard, it is worth equipping yourself with a light mounted on the steering wheel and the helmet light source will also be quite helpful. In terms of lighting on the steering wheel, it should be characterized by a minimum power of 300 lm (500 lm seems optimal), and it should also shine with diffused light. There are, of course, light sources with a much higher power, but in the case of a group night travel, this type of lamp can disturb the others who are not so equipped. It is worth noting that the strong lighting can change the mode, you can then reduce the light output to e.g. 15% of full power. When choosing the right light source for off-road driving, it’s a good idea to use a criterion for fixing it. The lighting installation should be reliable and must not loosen when driving over uneven surfaces.

The additional lamp on the helmet is designed to illuminate the road far ahead, from a different perspective than that installed on the steering wheel. It should shine in spots and not be too strong. It will also be useful in the event of a breakdown because you do not need to hold the flashlight during the fault.

Reflective clothing

Unlike fluorescent clothing, this reflective clothing works by reacting to artificial light. Therefore, the more directly the light, a reflector, acts on the reflector, the more it will reflect it. During night rides in the city or outside of it, reflective clothing is influenced by the light of lanterns or other traffic participants. In virtually all bicycle clothes you will find reflective piping, which is most often seen on the ends of sleeves or legs and a back pocket. If you are riding a bicycle in non-specialized clothing, it is worth buying reflective bands, which, for example, in addition to lighting in the dark can be used to narrow the leg so that it does not get caught in the crank. Many bicycle clothing manufacturers offer a series of reflexive items. For example, Endura produced the “Luminite” product line, which is characterized by fluo colors and large reflective tape elements. This series includes helmets, jackets, pants, backpacks, gloves and shoe covers.

Power supply

When you rarely drive after dark and darkness during a ride you suddenly do not need to get more expensive lamps that have their chargers or batteries. For city driving, lighting with batteries or a generator is enough. dynamo. However, when night driving often happens, it is more profitable to spend more money on a good set of lighting and batteries, so we will not be forced to buy batteries all the time. However, if you decide on this type of power supply, remember to check the battery level so that we have enough electricity for the next trip. In the case of modern Ni-Mh batteries, it is not necessary to fully discharge them and charge them to 100%, as was the case with the older type of Ni-Cd batteries.

Whether in the city or outside, bicycle lighting is the responsibility of every cyclist. Undoubtedly, every cyclist should also be visible on the road by wearing fluorescent elements during the day and reflective elements after dark. Until the lovers of two wheels understand that being visible means being safe, there will be tragic accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles. Every unlit cyclist – the so-called batman, must understand the frustration of drivers, and everyone properly lit should be noticed and properly avoided.

Back to School: Safety tips as students return from winter break

Several students across Oklahoma are returning to class after winter break which means an increased risk for drivers according to AAA Oklahoma.

They’re warning drivers to be vigilant for pedestrians before and after school hours.

AAA Oklahoma said around 13% of students walk or bike to school and from 2000 to 2010 nearly 1/3 of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 pm.

“It’s up to adult drivers to watch out for children walking and biking to and from school,” said Leslie Gamble, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “That includes those getting out of cars in school parking lots which can be particularly dangerous when many are entering and leaving.”

With shorter winter days, students are more likely to be walking before or after daylight hours. “It’s so important to consciously think about the chance that a person may be walking on the road you are driving,” Gamble said. “Be sure your windshield is cleared of ice or moisture. Then, watch for movement as you drive because often clothing is dark and it’s difficult to distinguish pedestrians from the darkness.”

AAA has six tips for drivers to keep students safe as they return to school:

Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Eliminate distractions. Children often cross the road unexpectedly and may emerge suddenly between two parked cars. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Put down the phone.

Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under or around vehicles—even those that are parked.

Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and more than one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 to 7 pm Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com. New drivers with less road experience are less likely to react quickly to sudden movements of pedestrians. Eyes should be on the road, sweeping back and forth to spot movement in peripheral areas.

Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Dress and walk for safety. Anyone out before or after daylight should wear light-colored or reflective clothingwith reflective fabric. At the least, put on white or light-color gloves, hat or shoes. It makes a tremendous difference in visibility to drivers. Stay off the road. Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks. Go to intersections versus crossing in the middle of streets or parking lots. Look carefully for cars if you must enter a roadway.

Is it illegal to wear “Polite” jackets and high-vis vests?

For bikers and horse riders, being seen is vital for obvious reasons. Many choose to wear reflective clothing and high-visibility outerwear to make sure they stand out on busy roads and rural lanes.

But one particular type of high-vis clothing has caused a bit of a debate.

Jackets and reflective vests bearing the word “POLITE” have been adopted by several bikers and horse riders.

But critics say that such clothing could cause them to be mistaken for mounted or motorcycle police officers-with police also issuing guidance on the matter.

Devon and Cornwall Police released figures on this matter recently via a Freedom of Information request, the results of which are logged on their website.

Between 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015 there were four arrests made for people impersonating police officers.

During the same time frame, no one was arrested for wearing a reflective fluorescent jacket bearing the “POLITE” logo.

But, is it illegal to wear a jacket bearing the word “POLITE”?

Well, in short, the law seems to be a bit ambiguous on the matter.

Last year the MailOnline reported how Jocelle Lovelle, 45, from Penarth, and her fellow animal lovers dress in the “POLITE” high-vis outfits after Jocelle’s teenage daughter Seren was knocked from her horse.

The article claimed that police encourage horse riders to wear high-vis clothing but not to deliberately mislead motorists.

Inspector Lisa Gore of South Wales Police said: “Some riders have reported drivers sounding their horns and revving their engines to frighten horses because they feel misled.”

“We want to ensure the public make an informed decision about wearing such clothing.”

Back in 2013 when these jackets first started appearing on our roads, the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) wrote to the British Horse Society pointing out that wearing such kit could cause riders to be mistaken for mounted officers.

In a letter published on the British Horse Society website, Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hanson wrote: “These articles have caused concern to the police because individuals wearing them are likely to be mistaken for being a police officer due to the design closely resembling police uniform.

“Any item of clothing that has been manufactured to match these characteristics of police uniform is at risk of contravening legislation, namely Section 90 Police Act 1996.”

While it is illegal to impersonate a police officer in the UK and offenders can be jailed for up to six months, it appears no one is on the record as saying that these particular jackets are illegal and should not be worn.

Indeed, a quick Google search shows dozens of such items freely on sale at shops across the UK.

Our advice? Probably best to give them a miss and don’t take the risk-but always wear high-vis clothing if you are worried about not being seen.

State Police offer tips for safe bicycle riding

Monday is World Bicycle Day and the Michigan State Police are reminding bicyclists to take precautions when riding this Spring and Summer.

Cyclists face a higher risk of injury and death compared to occupants of motor vehicles and each year around 2,000 cyclists are injured or killed in automobile-related crashes in Michigan.

The most common cause of death in bicycle crashes is head injuries, so police recommend wearing properly fitted bike helmets for every ride, as they are the most effective way in preventing a head injury in a crash.

Visibility plays a major role in cyclist vulnerability to accidents during the evening hours due to decreasing light, so riders are encouraged to wear light-colored or reflective clothing with reflective tape and to have at least a front light and rear reflector on their bikes.

“Bicycling is a summertime tradition in Michigan, but when riding, bicyclists need to remember they are required to obey the same rules of the road as vehicle operators,” said Community Service Trooper Ashley Simpson. “Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists – allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road per Michigan law.”

A shortlist of safety precautions to consider when riding includes:

Wear a properly fitted bike helmet;

Always obey traffic signals and lights;

Always ride with traffic on the right side of the road;

Look both ways when crossing intersections and walk the bike across the street;

Watch for doors opening suddenly when riding along with parked cars;

When riding at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing and use a light on the front and a reflector on the back of the bike.

Police also remind drivers to share the road with cyclists and to remember that Michigan law requires drivers to allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist on the road.

Pedestrian Safety: It’s Up to Us

We’ve all seen the headlines over the last few months. A student at Wooster High School killed in a hit and run incident while crossing the street. People getting mowed down in the crosswalk (both at night and during the day) in downtown Reno, just steps from City Hall. A cyclist walking his bike across the street on Lakeside Drive and getting hit and killed by a drunk driver in the middle of the day.

Pedestrian fatalities are nothing new for the Biggest Little City, but it does feel like it’s something that’s increasing, especially as our population continues to grow. We have more people out on the street walking, biking and driving than ever before.

When the Wooster incident happened, my heart sank as my sister-in-law, who is a teenager, goes to that school. My instinct was to do something and leap into action to guarantee hers and others’ safety. But, I soon realized that no matter how much I rallied my tribe or talked to city officials, it wasn’t enough. No amount of ads or PSAs are going to stop people from being careless.

These incidents aren’t something that is cut and dry in terms of who is at fault, or how to reduce them. I’ve had multiple conversations with friends online and in person. “Drivers should slow down, stop texting, and keep an eye out!” or “Pedestrians shouldn’t just step out into the street! Wear brighter clothing with reflective fabric! Don’t jaywalk!”

Both sides have merit, but at the end of the day, it is going to take ALL of us being more cautious and having care for one another to create change. We’re in this together after all, right?

There are a lot of basic things we all can do, no matter our role, to reduce these incidents.

Drivers:

Follow the speed limit, and if you’re in an area like a school zone or Midtown / Downtown you might want to go under the speed limit

Keep an eye out for people using crosswalks, and emerging from obstructed views. Even if someone is jaywalking, you have to stop.

Make sure you have your lights on at night, and that they work. Use your bright when driving in dark, unlit areas.

If someone is crossing in a crosswalk, don’t edge up to them to make a turn as they’re crossing. That’s aggressive. Wait for your turn.

If you do hit someone, have the decency to stop and call 911.

As my dad would say, “If you’re going to drive, don’t drink. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive.”

When encountering a cyclist, by law you have to give them 3 feet of space when going around them. If you don’t have the room to go around, wait until you do. Share the road.

Pedestrians:

Like they taught you in grade school, look both ways before crossing the street.

Use the crosswalk when possible. Losing your life isn’t worth jaywalking over.

Before you cross, make eye contact with drivers, and wave, to make sure they see you and stop before you step into the crosswalk.

If walking at night, wear reflective gear or carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.

When crossing the street, stay off your phone. You must remain alert.

Cyclists:

Observe basic traffic laws when riding.

Follow the flow of traffic, and don’t go in the opposite direction when riding on the street.

Make sure you’re wearing reflective clothing at night, and that you have safety lights on your bike.

I’m sure there are many more things we all can be doing, but these are the most straightforward ways for all parties involved to watch out for one another. While we live in a busy world, none of us are too busy to take safety seriously. It’s up to all of us to change things in our community.

Halloween safety tips

Halloween is just around the corner and the top priority for the City of Plattsburgh is the safety of trick-or-treaters. As candy collecting on Halloween takes place in the evening when it starts to get dark, it is important to remember some key safety tips for those planning on trick-or-treating. Over the past years, the Plattsburgh Crete Center has hosted “Trick-or-Treat on Safety Street” to encourage safe trick-or-treating. Kids and families are invited to come dressed up and safely collect candy.

According to the event page, “Civic Center is transformed into a family-friendly environment that promotes kids of all ages to dress up and trick-or-treat in a safe and controlled atmosphere. Children will travel from house to house and collect goodies without the worries of cars, strangers, or tainted candy.”

SAFETY COSTUME:

Spookiness may often be associated with the dark, but that means it is okay to blend in with the darkness. It is unsafe to wear dark colors at night, especially in a not-so-lit area like the suburbs. Putting reflective strips or reflective materials on a costume or wearing bright reflective clothing can help a lot and need to ruin the costume. Cars will be able to spot trick-or-treaters better with the reflective headlights colors.

DRIVING SAFETY:

It is a known law to put headlights on once it gets dark, but on Halloween night, it is recommended to put car headlights on a little earlier. The use of headlights will make it easier to spot trick-or-treaters wearing bright or reflective clothing. Not only that, but it will help trick-or-treaters spot, drivers, more easily.

CANDY SAFETY:

Candy-checking is pretty wide-spread knowledge following multiple incidents in the past where razor blades and other dangers were hidden inside candies or food handed out during Halloween night. Because of these problems, candy companies started encouraging people to hand out wrapped candy rather than treats. Parents are also encouraged to then check the candy before eating it and making sure it is properly wrapped and sealed so it has been tampered with. Though this problem is not so big due to public awareness over the years, dangers such as razor blades, drugs or poison are still a possibility.

Being safe during the holiday doesn’t mean it dampens the fun. As long as one takes mandatory precautions, Halloween can be just as fun as it is safe.

Where can I buy reflective clothing

Buy a reflective vest or jacket, the driver of the vehicle can in almost any auto parts store or workwear. The minimum price for a vest is only one hundred rubles. At the moment, recent legislative innovations have not played a role in raising the prices of such products. Therefore, for the time being, the price for them is quite acceptable, and there is no shortage in retail outlets. Some try to make vests or jackets on their own, stitching reflective fabrics on ordinary clothing. For pedestrians, this will be quite enough, but hardly for drivers.

Firstly, it is not very convenient. After all, have to spoil the clothes.

Secondly, in the case of independent production, neither a vest nor a jacket with reflective elements will in any way correspond to accepted state standards. Namely, the relevant paragraph of the Rules of the Road is based on them. Therefore, only the reflective clothing that is manufactured by an industrial method and complies with accepted GOST is applicable for drivers. Experts predict that in the near future, prices for reflective vests and jackets will soar, increasing by several times.

After all, before the entry into force of the law is still almost three months. Therefore, some drivers still save money until such time as wearing such accessories will not become the legislative norm. Presumably, it will be in mid-March. Added to this is the fact that many Russian car owners simply do not use their vehicles in the winter. This is especially true for the northern regions of Russia. Yes, and the celebration of the New Year does not contribute to the acquisition of driver’s gear, better prepare for the holiday table. Therefore, a surge in demand for reflective clothing is still ahead and is projected in the early spring of the next, 2018. The most pragmatic drivers buy it today, explaining that they do not want to subsequently pay two or even three current prices. And the most-most practical Russian car owners have long been acquired and at the same time using reflective vests and jackets. Virtually every trucker has similar clothing that hangs in the driver’s seat or lies in the glove compartment of his truck. Incidentally, the SDA does not establish a clear storage location for a reflective vest or jacket. They can be put under the seat, in the glove compartment or in the trunk.

Legally, such moments are not considered. The main thing is that everything is used for its intended purpose and meets the established requirements. But, leaving the car, the driver will have to walk a few meters to the trunk, which can be fatal for him. A reflective vest should set off a person against the surrounding dark background in the headlights of a car. One of the requirements that apply to light-protective elements on such clothing, is their visibility from a distance of about 600 meters. Naturally, each car lights are different. In this case, we are talking, of course, about modern high-beam headlamps. The weaker the headlights of a car, the lower the distance you can see a person in reflective clothing. The minimum distance from which a person in such equipment should be noticeable must be at least 150 meters. Much also depends on weather conditions. For example, fog, snow or rain significantly reduce the visibility range for drivers. This should be considered. Experts advise, in addition to light-reflecting clothing, to have in their hands or on themselves a source of electric light, while it is very desirable that it be red. After all, it is the red light that automatically increases the attention of the driver.