Tag: reflective fabrics

Shining vest for motorcyclists!

Reflective elements for clothing, such as reflective vests increase the safety of the motorcyclist. But there is something even more effective.

 

The death of a motorcyclist is often decided by fractions of a second. Therefore, experienced riders know that they must have eyes on the stopwatch and that they must “see” through the eyes of the car drivers. They often register them late, sometimes they completely overlook them. At the same time, little contact with the vehicle can end up disastrously for a scooter or motorcycle rider. It is therefore important that it is visible and identifiable to other road users from a sufficient distance. These words are especially true at night and in poor visibility, but the rain. Do not rely on the lights of the motorcycle or scooter itself. For other drivers, they may be fused or lost in the lights of other cars. Headlight motorcycle respectively. the scooter, moreover, may seem to some participants as a car in the distance.

 

Therefore, when you sit on a scooter or motorcycle, consider what you wear. If possible, choose bright clothes, ideally with glaring elements. These colors are seen from a much greater distance than dark. If you are driving in poor visibility, make sure your clothing has reflective fabrics. Reflection of light will significantly increase your visibility. The larger the reflective surface, the better for you. Ideally, the reflective surfaces are front, back and side, so that you can be seen from all sides. Many jackets, coats, and trousers have reflective elements right inside. However, these areas are often relatively small. However, there are many reflective jackets for motorcyclists with a larger reflective surface. Usually, these vests are in glowing green or orange color, so they improve your visibility during the day. Some are full, others mesh, some are fastened with Velcro, others with full zipper. Their price ranges from a few euros to 100 euros. A simpler and cheaper alternative is a reflective belt.

 

When buying a reflective vest, verify that it is CE certified. It is not only the durability of the vest but also the quality of the reflective surfaces. The advantage of the jackets as such is that they are lightweight, storable, so you can keep them in the box under the seat during the day, and when you get to the night, you can put them on any clothes. The only exception is the Macna Vision Vest, which is only compatible with Macna biker jackets. It is attached by a zipper at the back and two hook-and-loop fasteners at the front of the third at the back. That’s what we have to test. Available in different S – XXL sizes (depending on jacket size), it costs around 30 euros. Its advantage is that it is very light and in a folded form occupies minimal space. When properly attached to the jacket, it holds firmly even at high speeds. In summer, you will appreciate that it leaves the ventilation holes of the jacket exposed. On the contrary, the disadvantage is that it is only visible from the front and back, and the reflective surfaces are, also, relatively small. The biggest disadvantage, however, is that it is only compatible with Macna jackets. I recommend it more visibility during the day. For the night I would choose a reflective vest with larger areas, and especially one that has reflective areas on the side.

 

Whatever clothes you buy, you will always have to rely on the car’s headlight to illuminate you. And it only illuminates you when the car is already relatively close. The higher the reflective material elements are, the later the car headlamp illuminates them. In other words, the higher the reflective elements, the closer the car is to you when it illuminates you. But there is another option – a jacket or vest with Scilif SunFibre technology. These are light filaments that actively emit light in all directions – in our case of a glaring light green color. Drivers will register you from a long distance, much sooner than their headlight would illuminate. Under ideal conditions, a vest with such a fiber is visible up to a kilometer! I would like to remind you that the most modern LED headlamps with support laser beam have an afterglow of about 600 meters, headlights of ordinary cars are somewhere on the border of 200-350 meters. And that is what we are talking about about the range of high beams. But let us return to our village. Vest Not only shines, but the specific shape of the light filament in the shape of a human silhouette will attract the attention of other drivers. Drivers will see you in it, even in a bend. The light filament itself is placed in a textile wrapping – so-called piping. It makes it possible for the light fibers to be sewn into any textile material, in our case a reflective vest. However, they can also be used in back bags and the like. Paspules increase the mechanical resistance of the fiber and at the same time increase the overall luminous intensity. Included in the vest is a small control unit with a battery and a source with two LEDs. Press and hold the corresponding button on the control unit for 3 seconds to turn the light on or off, brief pulses to change the light intensity in 3 degrees and the light or flash mode. Just in flashing mode, the vest attracts the attention of the drivers even more strongly.

 

According to intensity, respectively. In the flashing or flashing mode, the vest will stay on for 2.5 – 20 hours. The battery is charged via a micro USB connector, for example from a computer. However, a power adapter is also included. The charging method is an advantage on the one hand, because it is simple, on the other hand, a disadvantage. Because if you run out of battery while traveling, you don’t have a chance to buy and replace the batteries with your pump. The control unit with a battery and light source are located on the back of the vest in a small zippered pocket. The tested vest has not only luminous fibers but also classic reflective surfaces, which further increases your safety. The vest itself is mesh, which ensures ventilation of the body in summer. It is light (you can not feel the presence of electricity at all), it can be folded (even luminous fibers are flexible). The vest is made of high-quality materials, it is resistant to external influences including rain. When it gets dirty, you can wash it in an automatic washing machine – at a temperature of up to 40 °C for a manual washing program. However, you must first remove the control unit. This vest costs 159 euros, which is not enough, but what to invest if not in your safety? There is currently no better solution on the market.

Reflective vests are designed to protect pedestrians

Without reflective waistcoat or tape either to the store or to the neighbor. This may look like this year in Slovak villages and towns. In an amendment to the Road Act, the Ministry of the Interior suggests that pedestrians walking along the road should wear safety features in poor visibility if they do not walk on the sidewalk. Today they need to have reflective fabrics on their clothes only when they are outside the village.

 

With this measure, the Ministry wants to prevent traffic accidents, which usually end to the detriment of pedestrians. Out of the 442 accidents, last year caused by pedestrians, up to 384 has occurred in the village. If they do not have them, they can be fined 60 euros.

 

“I consider it stupid. In my opinion, it would be sufficient if only cyclists were to have a reflective sign. I cannot imagine that I should always wear such a vest. And there is also a financial factor. In our country, there are ten-member households who live in poor social conditions. I can’t imagine buying a reflective vest for everyone in the family,” says Silvia Juhászová, a 33-year-old resident of Camoviec in the Lučenec district.

 

Thirty-seven-year-old Fiľakovcan Tomas Csík understands the effort to protect pedestrians but does not agree with fines if they do not have reflective elements. “In the evening I use to walk a few meters to the neighbors. I am careful about cars. When any goes, I step aside to keep my eyes off. I cannot agree with the draft of such a law,” added 64-year-old Jan Hornan from Trebeľovce near Lucenec.

 

The mayor of Liptovsky Jan Juraj Filo cannot imagine how he explains the new duty to tourists. The village is visited annually by about 500 thousand. “If a foreign visitor gets such a fine for something, he won’t come anymore,” says Filo. The mayor of Strba, Michal Sykora, says there is no need to worry about the reflective elements. “I also try to explain to young people that it is not just a reflective vest, and these reflective elements can also look modern.”

 

The ministry points out that stricter rules for pedestrians have necessitated a negative trend in the number of accidents in which the most vulnerable road users die or suffer serious injuries. Last year, according to police statistics, 15 people were killed on roads, two of them children. “Pedestrians caused a total of 442 traffic accidents last year, of which 384 were in the village,” police spokeswoman Denisa Balogh said.

 

On the side of stricter regulations is also inclined to traffic analyst Jozef Drahovský, according to which drivers do not have many possibilities to deal with unmarked pedestrians or cyclists. “They only have to anticipate and think that there may be someone on the road,” he says, not even street lighting helps in dense fogs.

 

Marian Cabák from the School of Safe Driving says that people are often reluctant to invest even a few euros in reflective things unless they are explicitly ordered to do so. The price for a reflective vest with reflective material ranges from three euros upwards. Similarly, there are other elements, as the law permits them. They can also be reflective belts on the sleeve, smileys on school bags or various other iron-on transfers.

 

If the proposed amendment passed, the mandatory labeling in the municipality would become the same offense as the non-marking of a pedestrian outside the municipality today. This is subject to a fine of up to EUR 60.

 

Slovakia is not the only country trying to protect pedestrians with protective features. Czech transport police chief Tomas Lerch said last week that he wanted to create a discussion on mandatory reflective elements for all who would go out at night. He also wants to find a compromise whether it should be in the village, outside or everywhere.

 

Going on a bike tour? We will advise you what to take with you and where to go

Summer and autumn are ideal times for getting to know your surroundings from the bike saddle. If you like active relaxation, cycling may be the right thing for you. You are just starting on a bike and do not know what you can see on the way? Or have you covered thousands of kilometers and are you looking for inspiration for interesting routes? Let’s try to give you some tips.

 

First of all, it is necessary to check the technical condition of your bike. If you don’t dare to check it yourself, for a few euros they will take care of its complete inspection at every cycle service.

 

Being easily visible is essential

In the event of poor visibility, it is important to wear some reflective material elements, whether classic reflectors on a bicycle or reflective fabrics on clothing. If the reflective vest is unacceptable to you, you can also choose from less noticeable reflective bands. You can attach them to your shoulder or backpack. Varied is also the offer of clothing with reflective surfaces.

If you are unsure whether you come back in the light, make sure you have enough lighting. A flashing light at the back and a small front lamp on the bike should be a matter of course.

 

Prepare for minor repairs

When cycling, many things can go wrong on the bike. You need some tools for minor repairs. Where to put it? There are small seat bags on the market, often sold filled with basic tools. The second option is slightly larger pockets for the bicycle frame. But many people love the backpack. If you do not mind the load on your back and suffer sweating, this is the ideal option. In addition to the tools, you can comfortably carry water, food or spare clothes.

 

You may also be interested in: Handle the return to the saddle cool: Put your bike in shape!

 

What specifically should you take with you? The most common failure on the bicycle is a puncture. Do not forget the mounting levers, mini pump, and spare tube. Before driving, check that it is OK. A defect bonding kit is also used. Whether you prefer it or the soul is up to you, you can wear both for sure. Many problems are solved by a set of hexagonal hex keys. It is unnecessary to wear them all, so try those you may need and wear only those. To adjust the derailleur after an unpleasant fall, you will appreciate a flat-blade screwdriver;

 

Clothing will make your experience pleasant

It is also important to dress properly. You’ll hate old cotton t-shirts after a few kilometers. Sweaty gain, not only weight but also a significant aromatic trace. And probably nobody wants people to look for him because of the smell. Cycling t-shirts are made of modern materials that wick sweat away from the body well, while not keeping it as cotton. If you choose such a shirt, it is good if its fibers are enriched with elements of silver. This prevents the smell from spreading, otherwise, this shirt smells even more cotton. The advantage of these T-shirts is also good ventilation, which often has a zipper to regulate the air supply. Also on your back, you will find pockets in which you can put not only a bottle but also other small items.

 

But most important are pants. First of all, look at the pad. Rather, invest more in quality than you should curse a piece of cheap foam between you and the saddle after a few kilometers. On the bike you can do with classic sneakers, if you think more serious, reach for the third. You can choose from hiking to hardsports, the decision is yours.

 

We take the cycling helmet as a matter of course. You will also enjoy gloves and goggles.

What to pack with me?

You don’t need much for a day trip. If your route leads through places where you can buy supplies, all you need is your wallet and water. Especially in these heats, it is important to maintain a regular drinking regime. A variety of ionic drinks are available, which you can buy at many cycling or nutritional supplement stores. They are useful as the prevention of cramps and can also increase your performance. Various energy bars and gels are very good. Even if you are not a top athlete, they will certainly make your tour easier. It is good to have something else with you. It is important to carry with you more supplies than to stay hungry and thirsty somewhere in the forest. Take a light jacket for longer hikes and in variable weather conditions. Leave the raincoat at home, the bike will sweat and the body will not breathe through the plastic.

 

Everything ready, we can go

So where to go? Slovakia is rich in various cycling routes, you will find some in every corner of it. Let’s introduce you to just a few of the best-known sites. Surroundings of the capital wish mainly road cyclists. You will find many well-maintained cycle routes. You can take the Danube Bicycle Road to Hainburg, Austria. With better fitness is also an interesting trip to Lake Neusiedl.

 

Central Slovakia is represented by terrains around Banská Štiavnica. Not too long climbs, but some quite steep perfectly test your fitness. By bike, you can get to know the mining history of this town and the surrounding mysteries. The north of Slovakia and the surroundings of Zilina are also attractive. You can enjoy less demanding cycling in the picturesque villages of Orava such as Terchová or Čičmany. Mountain bikes can be used in the valleys of the Great and Small Fatra.

 

You may also be interested in: Are you going to buy a new bike? Do not forget these things!

 

Eastern Slovakia also offers many opportunities, Strážovské Hills and Ondavská Highlands are suitable for fans of mountain biking. Less demanding will certainly appreciate the routes around Domaš, Prešov or Levoča. Low Tatras are also popular. The highest marked cycling route leads to the top of Kráľova hole. However, it is not suitable for road bikes, because the lower part leads along a forest road and driving on thin tubular tubes, especially downwards, will probably suffer. Nice and interesting routes can also be found in the High Tatras. Well-known are the Popradské Pleso and Silesian House. The pearl is the route to the cottage at the Green Ball. But we warn the less experienced to be careful. Especially in the last part, there are many really big stones on the pavement. So if you regularly drive along wide forest roads to your apartment and feel like a good mountain biker, this is the perfect chance to test your skills. We recommend a full suspension bike and a lot of experience so that this tour does not become a cake for you.

 

Do not overestimate your strength

That is the basic rule, especially in the case of severe heat. Plenty of fluid and common sense. Remember, it’s not a shame to get out of the bike, sit in the shade and relax in peace. You don’t have to break records and chase with the younger ones. Cycling is about enjoying nature, having a pleasant conversation with friends and strengthening your health. Not to destroy it. So find your hobby in it and she will reward you. It lets you identify places that would otherwise be hidden from you.

 

Be seen, equip with reflective elements

Reflective elements can save lives. The time has come when pedestrians and cyclists should think twice about it. Under low visibility, typical of autumn and winter months, they are much more vulnerable when on the road and should never count on drivers to see them in time. They should be equipped with reflective elements for increased safety. The obligation to use them is determined by legislation.

 

Under the Road Traffic Act, visibility is not only reduced in darkness but is a situation where drivers and other road users are unable to identify vehicles, people or other objects on the road sufficiently. This means that wearing reflective accessories is not enough in the dark. Pedestrians and cyclists should also fasten them in case of fog, heavy snowfall or dusk.

 

The legislation does not precisely specify how the reflexive supplement should look and where it should be located. “The reflective accessory that makes a pedestrian or cyclist visible should be at least the size of a reflective tape placed on the wrist or ankle. It is best to place the limbs closer to the center of the road so that the highlight is visible to the driver from both directions,” explains Jan Polák for the Road Safety Team. In poor visibility, drivers most perceive pedestrians with reflective accessories placed on moving parts of the body.

 

Particular attention should be paid to motorists in traffic by children. Child traffic is the most vulnerable group in daylight. Also, they can blend in with the surroundings more than an adult in poor visibility, especially between parked vehicles, pedestrian crossings or roadside. “In the following autumn and winter months, children will go to and from school or clubs in the dark or dark. Parents should think about their safety and equip their children with reflective elements. The fluorescent accessories and reflective fabrics in the form of patches can also be improved on clothing, briefcases, backpacks, etc.,” adds Zuzana Pidrmanová, Head of the Prevention Department of the Police Presidium of the Czech Republic.

 

The importance of the use of reflective accessories is also highlighted by the current issue of the magazine Strestenov, which was created under the auspices of Margaret’s traffic education. Members of the Road Safety Team take him to school to talk to them about safe road behavior. “There is a large selection of reflective materials and accessories on the market. Some are already included in clothing, school briefcases, and backpacks. Children can also be seen by reflective laces, they can clip various pendants, belts or school bag covers. There are several possibilities. In our lessons, we try to explain to them that reflective material is not a shame, and it is important to have it. They depend on which option they choose,” adds Marketa Novotna, a traffic education methodology.

 

Reflective elements for pedestrians. How much will it cost us?

Fine up to 2500 crowns! Such sanctions should be brought by an amendment to the Road Act approved by the government. These sanctions threaten pedestrians who, in poor visibility, will not have protective reflective elements outside the municipality. How much does this new measure, which still has to go through the legislative circle, cost us?

 

Increase road safety. This is the intention of the amendment to the Road Act, approved by the government. The amendment introduces, among other things, the obligation of pedestrians to wear reflective elements in poor visibility, in darkness or fog, on roads outside municipalities. The original draft of the amendment was that the obligation would apply also in municipalities, but that eventually fell out of the law at the legislative council of the government.

 

If they do not have pedestrians, they face a fine of CZK 1,500 to 2,500. “I am not a big supporter of repressive interventions, we should explain to pedestrians that it is for their safety,” said Transport Minister Dan Ťok.

 

And how many of us will the new measure if passed through parliament and signed by the president, the state? The most basic equipment is not expensive and anyone can buy it. Moreover, at many security events, these elements are distributed free of charge. Basic reflective tapes, which can be wrapped around the arm or arm cost about 30 to 50 crowns. Like various reflective pendants and stickers, their price is usually between 10 and 50 crowns.

 

Also, some people have already solved the problems with reflective elements, because much outdoor clothing already wears these elements.

 

Reflective elements significantly increase the visibility of pedestrians, with reflective fabrics it is visible at night up to 200 meters, in white clothing only 55 meters and in blue clothing, it is only 18 meters. “Reflective material is visible at night three times greater than white clothing and more than ten times greater than blue clothing. At 75km / h, the driver needs at least 31 meters (1.5 seconds) to realize the danger and the corresponding reacted in a way, “says Besip.

 

Safety reflective elements can be attached to hands, feet, back or backpack. According to experts, however, it is best to place them in places with which we move, such as feet or hands.

 

One-fifth of families carry their children to school by car

One-fifth of families in the Czech Republic use their cars regularly to transport children to schools. This was shown by a survey conducted by Škofin.

 

At least, only nine percent of parents transport their children to school by car in Prague. On the other hand, children living in small municipalities with up to 1000 inhabitants carry the family car (35 percent of families).

 

Just two decades ago, only two percent of children regularly drove to school, with 59 percent traveling on foot and 36 percent of schoolchildren using public transport.

 

“Today it is very different. About 37 percent of children go to school on foot and another 27 percent by bus or tram,” said the road safety team.

 

Fears of an accident

On the contrary, nothing has changed over the years that, at the beginning of the school year, there are police officers at every crossing near schools and make sure that children cross the road safely. Yet more and more parents do not hesitate to drive schoolchildren by car. They are usually led to fear of a possible accident if the child walks.

 

“There is a real danger for a child in the form of crossing busy roads in places where there are no pedestrian crossings or traffic is not controlled by traffic lights,” says Markéta Novotná, a method of traffic education from the Road Safety Team.

 

“The smallest ones may encounter complications that the adult does not perceive. After all, what a tall adult can see at a glance can remain hopelessly hidden from the first-graders through the parked vehicles,” Novotná added.

 

Reflective elements for walking

It is therefore good to explain in detail to the child where to go and where to go. And it is definitely necessary to ensure that drivers can see them sufficiently in road traffic. It provides brightly colored clothing.

 

“It should be remembered that the autumn sleet is approaching. Bright fluorescent colors lose their advantage in the dark. Only reflective accessories will help. There is a sufficient selection of clothing with reflective fabrics on the market, and reflective pendants or belts are suitable accessories. Children will not resist wearing them, quite the contrary,” said Novotná.

 

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.

Safe running in the evening. What to buy in Decathlon?

Running in the evening sets in a great mood. Previously known and constantly traversed routes suddenly transform into something that can re-perpetuate every sense, while the ubiquitous darkness combined with the urban play of lights makes us become nocturnal explorers. We are fully in the role of engaging the imagination, focusing on the sounds and passing distance. But this is not an easy world to guess. It requires special equipment and appropriate behavior. What to do to make the evening skiing trips safe, but also satisfying?

 

The shorter autumn days are able to pick up motivation even for the most avid runners. Heavy rainfall, pervading cold and quickly falling night form a running trio that will haunt us in the coming months. It is not an easy time to maintain the will to run, and given that Egyptian darkness forcing many to monotonous training along the same lit streets, there are more obstacles than incentives. At night, thousands of runners roam the city sidewalks and train one by one. Every runner who has at least one such season knows that only the best-lit streets are interested. And the evening running traffic in their regions is not conducive to physical activity, because too many runners are too much. The accumulation of all factors means that less and less often we go to training. How to get out of this running impasse? What to do in order to make running in the evening the same pleasure as training during the day?

 

Going tonight training is the best possible way to de-stress after a long and tiring day. Like no other sport, running ensures the charging of internal batteries and breathes life into freezing muscles. The body will regain its fitness again, and the influx of endorphins will improve the well-being and free the head from the rush of thoughts. Everyday duties will go into oblivion, which will help us get into training faster. In addition, regular physical activity contributes to the improvement of sleep quality. Effectively rested and rested, we will wake up more willing to perform the tasks of the next day. Running in the evening will also take care of the circulatory system, improving blood flow and the work of the heart. Many studies indicate that this sport not only makes life better but also lasts longer. In addition to any doubts, there are also changes in the immune system in the runner’s body. People practicing sports are much less likely to get sick, and their enhanced immunity prevents them from catching colds or infections.

 

Reading such an extensive list of the advantages of running, it is not difficult to maintain the enthusiasm for training during autumn fluff. But how to continue training in the dark? How to safely navigate after dark or night?

 

We should take the first steps to the wardrobe and choose training clothing with reflective fabrics. Unfortunately, there are stairs that are not so easy to climb. While the producers signal that the product is equipped with reflectors, these are definitely not enough to perform the right function. Placing light reflective tapes along the bottom edge of the garment, adding a reflective logo (which made of reflective heat transfer vinyl)and element around the arms, in practice results in small batches of material visible to outside road users. In theory, we assume clothes designed for running in the evening because it does not really help much. The best way out of the situation is to check what parts of the clothes are striking. Ingenious producers are preparing special collections of clothes for the night madness. Some time ago we tested one such series of products created by the Kalenji brand, which can be purchased in the Decathlon chain stores. But most importantly, this clothing guarantees incredible visibility when running in an underexposed place. Wide stripes of flares were created, which were placed, among others on the shoulders, back, chest. Care was taken to ensure that the reflections were around. You should look around for such practically designed running clothes!

When should you have reflective elements with you?

The statistics published by the Police Headquarters, the European Transport Safety Council and PZU are shocking. Poland is still in the infamous leading country with the largest number of accidents involving children. For years, one of the most common reasons for deductions, often fatal, small pedestrians is the lack of visibility. One way to improve safety is by wearing reflective vests. When it is necessary to have them with you?

 

“Cat’s eyes”

Under the colloquial term “reflections” are all items that have been made of reflective material. The most commonly used reflections have the form of inserts in clothes (for example, a belt on a jacket or trousers) or easy-to-fasten key-rings or bands. As the policemen explain, reflective fabrics may be objects attached to clothing, headbands, vests, and leashes. It is important to place them: the reflectors are recommended to be placed at the level of knees, hands, around the center of the chest and back – then we will be sure that they are clearly visible to other road users.

 

The first reflections appeared on the roads in Great Britain before the Second World War. Their inventor was the owner of a road repair company – Percy Shaw. Apparently, to create a gadget that will save an infinite number of pedestrians over the next few years, Shaw was inspired by the cat. Coming from the night, Percy almost hit the path of a four-footed dog. The roofer was rescued by the fact that the driver saw his glowing eyes in the dark at the last moment. The event inspired the entrepreneur to create a reflective element that would improve safety on an unlit road. At the beginning of 1934, the Show developed “cat’s eyes”. They were 4 glass reflecting beads, mounted in a rubber housing, placed in a cast iron dome. “Cat’s eyes” were not worn by pedestrians, but placed on the road, but their creation gave impetus to the creation of later reflections for pedestrians.

 

Wearing legally regulated

 

Although in Poland the need to wear reflectors has been said since the 90s, it was only recently that having reflective elements became mandatory.

 

Pursuant to the amendment of 30 August 2013 of the Road Traffic Act, all pedestrians, irrespective of their age or height, driving along roads outside of built-up areas at dusk, must have reflective elements. Before the change from five years ago, this obligation concerned only children who were under the age of 15.

 

Do we always have reflections outside built-up areas? Theoretically not. According to the letter of the law, when walking on the sidewalk, the road intended only for pedestrians or in the area of residence, we are not threatened (no more than three thousand zlotys) by a lack of reflection. Nevertheless, experts recommend having reflective elements. Even during the day, pedestrian columns must be marked with reflections (in the column with a length exceeding 20 m going to the left in the front and at the back are obliged to use reflective elements, in addition, those walking on the left are obliged to carry additional flashlights with white light) or road builders.

Good to see you

The action of giving pupils retro-reflective vests has just started in this district, representative of the Minister of Justice, starts.

 

The campaign “Good to see you”, whose aim is to protect children against road accidents, took off on Monday in a primary school. 370 students received reflective safety vests, which will reach up to 3 million children nationwide.

 

The ambassador of the unique undertaking is the popular actor Cezary Pazura. At the ceremonial inauguration of the campaign, guests of the elementary school students Jan, former Minister of National Education Anna and Minister of Justice Attorney General Zbigniew, Plenipotentiary for the Justice Fund Michal. Campaign> Good to see you <is co-financed by the Justice Fund, administered by the Minister of Justice – we read on the website of the Ministry of Justice.

 

It so happens that Michal is also a candidate from the Law and Justice party to the regional council of the Silesian Voivodeship. He starts in circle number 3, in which there is… Kunai. How did it happen that from among 14,645 primary schools in the country, a branch was chosen from the district of the attorney of the Minister of Justice?

 

“I do not know, I did not do it. Please, contact the press office. Especially that apart from attending the Monday party I am on vacation. During the inauguration, I was in place, but I did not take the floor and I did not want to involve it in any way with the campaign.” assures Michal. On the question of whether the choice of the place and time of the start of the action co-financed by the fund, which he himself supervises, was not inappropriate, the plenipotentiary did not want to answer and he returned to the press office of the ministry.

 

The resort did not answer questions about the choice of location. It only limited the statement that the action “Good to see you” is completely apolitical and has nothing to do with the election campaign” and is organized by the National Day of Life Foundation (headquartered in Warsaw). Her boss also claims that the beginning of the action has nothing to do with local elections.

 

“I do not understand what’s going on. The campaign began where it began. If it started somewhere else, there would probably be some other connotations. For us, the most important thing is that the children have got vests and we do not do anything else.” says Jack, the president of the foundation.

 

Experts have no illusions that the action of giving vests with reflective fabrics to students also had the second bottom. “I hope that, following the changes introduced in the courts, the school in which the campaign was inaugurated was chosen at random. And if that did not happen and it was motivated by political reasons, the standards of free elections were violated .” there is no doubt Symons from the Civic Network Watchdog.

 

As he emphasizes, the Justice Fund is identified with the candidates of one party, which is why he adds seriously that in such a situation a lot had to be drawn. “And if due to random selection, it turned out that some publicly funded campaign would be started in the circle of the candidate supervising a given program, the lottery would have to be repeated. Otherwise, these are not free elections, but elections in which politicians with the help of public money can potentially influence the election result, which is unacceptable.” adds the lawyer.

 

As Pieter from the Stefan Bator Foundation emphasizes, it is difficult to speak of the violation of the electoral law, because from a formal point of view, the funds of the fund were not allocated to finance the campaign of Michal, only a nationwide campaign.

 

By the way, once again, the question arises about the legitimacy of changes in regulations, thanks to which money from the victim support fund can be transferred not only to victims but also to very broadly understood prevention.

 

“I have doubts whether funds from the fund should be used for such a purchase. Even more questionable for me is the situation in which a politician builds his campaign on giving away public money. This raises the question of whether spending these resources in this school was associated with the analysis of the needs of the local community or rather the need of the candidate for a local politician. And I must assume that the latter. “says Krzysztof, program director of the Foundation. Adding that this is not an isolated case. “It only confirms that there is a lack of concern among the politicians for the common good, and more important of them is a particular interest.” assesses the expert.

 

This is not the first time that supports from the Justice Fund goes to the district of Michal. When in July the fire brigade received equipment financed by the fund. Everyone knew who to owe it to. Thank you, Michal, that he supervised the handover of the equipment because we got twice as much as we expected.