Tag: reflective clothing

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.

“Do not be a blindfold: bike in Aachen, but bright”

Stephanie Kipper promotes the campaign “Do not be a blindfold: bike in Aachen, but bright” for a working lighting on the bike – especially in the dark season.

“Do not be blindfishes: bike in Aachen, but bright”: With this action, the city of Aachen is again promoting road safety for cyclists this autumn with functioning lighting and reflective clothing.

It did not take a minute, as Stephanie Kipper and her team met three traffic offenders. All of them were traveling with their bicycles and did not disregard traffic lights or traffic signs; on the contrary, they were barely visible.

That this is especially dangerous in the current season emphasized Kipper, project manager of the urban campaign “Bike in Aachen” insistently: “The dark months have begun and you realize that the light on the bike does not work but has no time to fix it, However, anyone who wants to be perceived on the bike as an equal road user, needs a working light and reflective vest on the bike. “For this reason, Kipper and her team stood in the context of the action” Do not be a blind fish: bike in Aachen, but bright! “At various locations in the Downtown and made road users aware of missing or barely visible light.

The action took place for the second time. “When it gets dark so early, accidents often happen that would have been avoidable if the bicycle had been adequately lit,” said Kipper. The aim was, to sensitize the cyclists to make sure that their lighting system work. In luggage had the actors bright vests with reflective materials, stickers and also glowing arm and leg bandages. As a result, at least some cyclists could continue their way a little safer.

300 injured cyclists

Nearly 40 percent of cyclists are traveling in the dark with poor or no lighting. The number of injured cyclists recorded in police accidents has been around 300 for several years. Not to be forgotten is the fact that bicycles must be equipped with a functioning lighting system, as stipulated by the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Anyone traveling without proper lighting not only risks fines but also risks being overlooked in traffic in the dark.

“Everyone knows that driving without light is forbidden. Therefore, we do not work with a raised finger, but try to get attention with unconventional methods. Humor brings here more than the reference to paragraphs. “summed up Kipper. And so, for one or the other well-equipped and thus well-visible cyclist, there was also a small chocolate saloon to reward.

Over 20% of cyclists are out in the evening without light

Correct bike lighting plays a key role in preventing accidents. A sample survey in the nine largest Swiss cities has shown that the correct use of bicycle lights still requires a great deal of action. More than 20% of the cyclists were without light at night and endangered themselves and other road users. More than 50% of cyclists in the city of Geneva were without light and reflective vests. With this survey, the TCS wants to set an example in the context of the “Day of Light” and to raise awareness of this important topic.

Of the sampled bikes, almost 80% were properly equipped with front and rear lights. Sometimes the lighting was poor. The results in the different Swiss cities were very different. The leader was the city of Aargau, where 100% of the tested bicycles were underway with the right lighting. At the bottom, the city of Geneva, where only about half of the tested bicycles with proper light were traveling.

“Light-biking without light not only puts one’s own safety at risk but anyone without light endangers all other road users Lack of visibility is a common cause of accidents Many of these accidents could be avoided with little effort,” says Helmut, TCS traffic safety expert.

At dawn and at night, the risk of the accident is three times higher than during the day. If there is rain, snow or backlighting, the accident risk is even up to ten times higher. Correct light is important in two ways: it increases the safety of cyclists because they can better recognize and at the same time they are perceived by other road users earlier and better.

Regulations in Switzerland

Concerning bicycle light, there are clear rules: the headlight must be white, the taillight must be red. Both bicycle light must not flash and must be visible from 100 meters away. Basically, almost every standard bicycle light meets the legal requirements. Nevertheless, there are better and less suitable light for different types of bicycles and need (see TCS (2016) test report). It is important in any case, that you are completely visible.

Reflective clothing is important

In unfavorable conditions, a person wearing dark clothing is only visible to drivers from a distance of 25 meters. That’s often too late. Clothes with reflective fabrics are already visible from a distance of 140 meters and allow the other road users more time to react. The fact that luminous vests will not prevail in wide for practical and fashionable reasons, fashion industry and trade have been recognized. Meanwhile, there are already numerous products on the market, in which security and style can be quite combined. The MADE VISIBLE campaign by the Traffic Safety Fund aims to actively promote exactly this development and offers on its homepage a helpful overview of solutions that are already available and suitable for everyday use.

In the autumn, let’s be careful on the road!

Autumn is a dangerous time for all road users. Police statistics show that the most accidents happen at this time of the year. During this time, the conditions on the road are very variable and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians who become less visible on the road. Fast darkening, rainfall, slippery surface, are factors negatively affecting safety.

Heavy rain, fog, early darkening, reduce visibility on the road. The wet and slippery roadway is also not conducive to the driver. An additional difficulty is often lying on the roadway leaves – in such conditions, the braking distance may dangerously extend, and in extreme cases, the driver may slip and not control the car. In the autumn, roadways may already be frozen, and therefore slippery, and in such situations, the wheels easily lose their grip. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous. You should pay special attention to the depressions of the terrain, on hills, near forests and water reservoirs – the road can be particularly slippery there. Exercise extreme caution near pedestrian crossings. Also, be careful when commuting to them. If the pedestrian enters the passage, the driver may not slow down.

The police recommend that you check the condition of the tires in the vehicle in use (tread depth and correct tire pressure) and vehicle lighting. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe speed limits. It is worth remembering that in conditions of reduced air transparency, we should turn on the low beam, and if the visibility is limited to less than 50m, turn on the rear fog lamps. Note that we do not move on daytime running lights with reduced air transparency. Such security measures can save lives not only for us but also for other road users.

Changing the aura forces drivers to change their driving technique and adjust their speed to the prevailing road conditions – unfortunately, many of them seem to forget about it. We remind you that exceeding the speed limit and not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is one of the most common causes of accidents in autumn. If there is fog or heavy rainfall and heavy traffic on the road – you should slow down to the speed allowing the driver to control the traffic situation. Remember – permissible speed does not always mean speed SAFE! It is also important to remember about the proper and compliant use of fog lights and daytime running lights.

This period is also dangerous for drivers of motorcycles, who are increasingly using their machines until late autumn, and even throughout the year. Unfavorable atmospheric conditions reduce the grip of asphalt tires and even a seemingly ineffective fall when trying to brake suddenly can end tragically.

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 element is threatened by a fine. Although traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests and reflective elements in the built-up area, they, to a large extent, improve visibility. Therefore, we encourage pedestrians to wear reflective clothing which made of reflective materials at any time of the day, also in built-up areas, because they greatly improve visibility and avoid tragedy. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.

An additional difficulty in the autumn (not only for drivers) is often worse well-being. The bad mood can affect the speed of reaction and concentration, which is also worth remembering when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and moving on the road.

Police check in the schoolyard

No light, no bell, loud music in the ears – In front of the Herbert high school police checked on Tuesday the bicycles of the students. Many of the wheels were not safe.

Tuesday began with a – not always pleasant – surprise for the students of the Herbert secondary school. When they entered the school grounds, the police were already waiting, especially for the cyclists. The Manfred Ewer and Owe Diner checked whether lights, reflectors, and bell are available and work well.

Support was provided by the security community Mallow and the prevention team of the police department West. Chief Inspector Ute and High Commissioner Axel distributed reflectors, safety vests, reflective bags which made of reflective fabrics, and informational material to show what a safe bike is.

Police call out “days of visibility”

Throughout Brandenburg, the police have called the “days of visibility”. Until Thursday, especially cyclists are informed about the risks of the dark season. “People dressed darkly recognize a car driver only about 25 meters away,” explains Axel. With light clothes, it is at least 40 meters. Anyone wearing reflective clothing or a light can be seen 140 meters away.

Principal Michaela and her fellow teachers Lutz and Matthias Stiller are at the school gate. Most of the 267 students come by bike. Many wear headphones in their ears that play music so loud that they do not notice their surroundings. Others hang their cycling helmets over the handlebar instead of turning it over.

30 of the 82 bikes have shortcomings

The balance of the day: Of 82 controlled bicycles have 30 shortcomings. In most cases, the lighting is broken or not available at all, others do not have the prescribed reflectors front, rear, on the pedals and spokes, others are missing the bell. A bike was particularly negative. “Apart from brakes, it did not have any safety-related parts,” says Axel. Manfred noted all shortcomings on lists, which the students should work off.

The fact that parents leave their children with such companions on the street, annoys Michaela. “Everything that serves security is good.” The Herbert secondary school is located directly on the busy L 40. “We have had some accidents here,” says the headmistress. Brittle situations between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are not uncommon. Whether the action brings something permanent to the police? Michaela hopes.

Girls were more insightful

Some students, especially girls, found the action good, the boys were less insightful. Some dropped their bikes on the way. Olaf, responsible for prevention in the Police Inspectorate, wants to take some of them back in the coming weeks. “I’ll do a retraining,” he says. Silvia, chairman of the security community, is even more rigorous. “My son is not allowed to cycle to school until the light works. Until then he will run. “

Reflective clothing is especially important

Reflective clothing is especially important in the dark season.

Not everyone can afford an airbag helmet, but already conventional accessories can provide significantly more safety when cycling – especially in city traffic. These purchases make sense.

Protectors

Not only falls can be intercepted by knee and elbow protectors, even in bicycle accidents protect protectors from painful injuries. Anyone who is also on the BMX bike in the skate park should also think about a back protector. Because a fall on the back can have dramatic consequences.

Fluorescent jackets which made of reflective fabric

The reflective vest is no longer a novelty, but you can still see cyclists without – or does not see them. Anyone driving a car knows how hard it is to see dark-clad cyclists at dusk. Meanwhile, there are also fashionable variants, such as belts made of LED lights.

Rearview mirror

In order to have good visibility in the flowing (city) traffic to the rear, we recommend the purchase of a rear-view mirror. Nevertheless, the little helpers, of course, do not replace a shoulder glance – especially when turning and overtaking! Who combines both, is safe on the road.

Reminder of safety instructions

Police want to remind parents and kids of safety tips on Wednesday night to collect Halloween candies.

To ensure that children are clearly visible when traveling, it is advisable to choose reflective clothing with reflective tape. The costume should be short to prevent the child from stumbling and it is better to wear makeup rather than wearing a mask to see and hear well. It is also recommended to bring a flashlight.

During the evening, children should always:

Determine a trip and an hour of return with their parents;

Rest in a group or with the accompanying adult;

Never enter the houses, always wait outside;

Never follow a stranger, whether by car or on foot, refusing to approach a vehicle or to go up without the permission of his parents;

Browse one side of the street at a time and avoid crossing unnecessarily;

Cross streets at intersections and respect road signs;

Wear a reflective vest when go out at night;

Check with your parents the treats received to make sure you can eat them safely.

Finally, the police and the assurance automobile du Québec are asking for the cooperation of motorists who will have to be particularly careful and vigilant.

Traffic guard Viersen is supported

For the Viersen with their project “visibility”, the members of the KKV Viersen, Catholics and administration, gather at their events, so that the donation piggy bank in a year contains a sizeable amount.

 

Already in the 15th year, the KKV is active with its social project. The movement program of the traffic guard for the primary school classes was presented by managing director Hans Jansen. It is important for students to wear reflective vests when go out at day or night.

 

For the past 68 years, the Viersen has been working as a traffic safety organization on the goal of “no dead in traffic”. “We start our work at the maternity ward,” says Hans Jansen, Managing Director of the Verkehrswacht, who presented the KKV Viersen, Catholics and administration, with such important work. The club donated five bowls for babies to the General Hospital Viersen so that they could get home safely after the birth. “We have moderators who do parent evenings in kindergartens. Here we show the parents with a children’s belt sled that can happen in an accident or in a dark room, how important reflective clothing is. However, we are also active in schools, for example in cycling education and also for senior citizens, our work is becoming increasingly important. “Each of these target groups is characterized by certain potential hazards, which are to be reduced by means of target group programs.

Safety vests become necessary in California where fires become “normal”

On 8th December, a fire approaches the Lake Casitas area near Ojai, California. Strong Santa Ana winds which are extremely dry down slope winds that affect coastal Southern California in fall and winter, have been feeding major wildfire all week, destroying hundreds of houses and forcing tens of thousands of people to run away from their homes. Some of them wear reflective clothing when running.

 

Jerry Brown, one of California’s Governors said that climate change has pushed weather to the most extreme. And the US western state must prepare well for a constant threat of wildfire which is a “new normal”. According to released statistics, there are six massive wild fires burning in California, destroying more than 708.2 square kilometers and 793 structures last week.

 

Except the unusually forceful and sustained Santa Ana winds (knew as “devil wind” for propagating regional wildfire.), a hot & dry fire season extending into Christmas in Southern California, has led to the widespread and devastating fire. So people should learn how to protect themselves in the hot, dry & dangerous season.

 

Preparing a reflective vest is not a bad choice. It can help you easily be found in fire and flame. When the fire is happening, you can wear it when running.

School starts – what should be considered?

Police Superintendent Jennifer from Directorate Traffic, gives tips and hints about traffic safety advice. These are not only addressed to the parents and children, but also to the other road users:

The new school year starts and the first graders begins a new phase of life. In addition to new impressions and expectations of the school itself, the children are confronted for the first time of the dangers of road traffic. In order for the children to become safe and self-confident road users, we would like to inform you here about how you can accompany and support your children on this journey.

Children are not “little adults”

Children perceive the traffic differently. You still cannot estimate speed and distances like adults. It is not possible for them to know which direction a sound is coming from and it is also difficult for them to filter important and unimportant noise. Because of their height they have a different angle; they cannot look over cars and their gaze is obscured by many obstacles. Even her field of vision is about one third smaller than in adults up to the age of 8 years. Children do not have any dangerous awareness yet. They mix imagination and reality. They can also be distracted easily in traffic and often react impulsively. They then run thoughtlessly and without concentration across the street. The conversion from near to far-sightedness also happens to children with a delay. So there are many reasons to prepare children for school in good time.

Walk to school

Give your child an early opportunity to get to know and explore the way to school. Practice correct behavior with possible danger points (exits, construction sites, parking cars) and use existing crossing aid (pedestrian traffic light, crosswalks, traffic islands). Many schools have school maps that can help you choose a safe way to school, because the rarest cases. The shortest route is the safest. Distractions such as mobile phones, music and wearing headphones should be taboo during the school trip, because they only distract your child from additional distraction. Inquire with classmates and their parents. This is more fun and also relieves a little. It is advisable to allow plenty of time in the mornings, so that your child does not have to travel to school on a stressful day or even have to run to school. In order for your child to be seen early by other road users, we recommend brighter and, if possible, reflective clothing. In the first classes, all children will be provided with reflective safety vests by the ADAC, which can save their lives on the way to school.

By car to school

If you bring your child to school by car, remember that it takes a suitable child seat to strap on until the age of 12 or up to a height of 1.50 m. Use seats with backrest as long as possible and change as late as possible to the so-called seat shells. It is always important that the belt of the vehicle is clearly guided over the clavicle of the child and does not go along the neck. Always have your child get off the sidewalk side, taking care of cycling and walking.

Leave the car in the garage

Your child can only become a safer road user if they get the chance to experience their environment independently. A so-called island hopping (to be taken by car to a friend, to school, to sport, etc.) hinders her child. In addition, the large number of vehicles in front of the school in the morning causes a real traffic chaos and it can lead to dangerous traffic situations.

If it is not possible for you to complete the way to school completely on foot, then park a bit away from the school. Dare your child a walk of 200-700m and make the way to school a ritual. Your child can gain experience on the road along the way, learn to recognize danger, to estimate distances. It enjoys the fresh air and will arrive waking up at school. It can also go along with classmates and exchange with them before class.

The idea of not driving up to the school by car is worth it! Not only you and your child benefit from it, but also teachers and residents as well as the police. You also support climate protection with it. Some schools offer projects on this topic. (Walking bus, traffic tamer, etc.) Inquire.

By bike to school

In the lower classes, we advise against letting your child go to school by bike alone. Children of this age are quickly overwhelmed with the bicycle in traffic. The cycle is driving training, which we carry out with your children. Therefore takes place only in the 4th grade. If you decide to accompany your child to school by bicycle, there is nothing to stop them from a police point of view. It trains your child and makes it familiar with the traffic reality. However, you should pay a lot of attention: your child should already be safe in dealing with their own bike and control it so well that it can pay full attention to the traffic. Wearing a bicycle helmet and a vest with reflective material is more than recommended. Children up to their 8th birthday have to, older children up to the 10th birthday are allowed to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. You may accompany your child to the age of 8 years of cycling on the pavement. Take advantage of two existing walkways always the right one. Particular attention should be paid to the entrances and exits. When crossing the road, at traffic lights and crosswalks must be lowered and pushed. Cycle paths may yet use the children, but then only in the prescribed direction. Once your child drives on the road, the bike must be roadworthy. Make sure there is enough air in the tires. Choosing the way to school when riding a bicycle is especially important. Pay attention to the help of the crossing.

No matter which school you choose, be sensitive and respond to questions and fears of your children. But also promote his independence.

Be a role model because children learn by imitation and are guided by family role models.

Accompanying the policy in the first classes, pedestrian training, to practice the crossing of the road and to prepare the children for possible danger in traffic. At the beginning of the school, large banners of the police will point to the start of school and more school trips will be carried out in primary schools.

We also want your children to become confident and safe road users and to be able to look forward to their school start.