Police officers call for caution at the wheel

Christmas is coming fast. Cars are arriving on the streets, traffic problems may arise. Police officers turn to all drivers for safety, compliance with traffic rules and patience. The pedestrians, in turn, remind about the obligation to wear reflective vests, especially in the morning and evening hours. “In this way, we will avoid many unnecessary road events and we will be able to sit down at the Christmas Eve table,” they tell the uniform.

The uniforms appeal to drivers to be particularly careful. “Non-adaptation of speed to weather conditions and the insufficient distance between vehicles leads to numerous accidents and collisions,” they observe.

“We also appeal to pedestrians to wear reflective vests with reflective tapes in a visible manner to drivers. It is the duty of all pedestrians who move on a roadway or roadside outside of a built-up area after dark. It’s worth taking care of your safety by wearing a reflective element also in the built-up area. The reflector is recommended to be placed at the knees, hands, around the center of the chest and back, then we will be sure that they are clearly visible to other road users, especially drivers. We remind you that after dark a pedestrian dressed in a dark outfit is seen by the driver of the vehicle from a distance of about 40 meters. He will see the pedestrian with a reflective vest with reflective fabric from a distance of 150 meters. Such a distance will allow the driver to slow down and safely avoid the pedestrian. The law provides for a fine for the lack of glare after dark outside the built-up area,” they explain.

Police officers, parish priests and motorcyclists handed out reflective vests

“Visible = Safe”, under this slogan uniforms appealed yesterday to children and youth gathered in the church. St. Nicholas for wearing after dusk of clothing. For incentives, they were given armbands.

The policemen command for the second time together with the parish priest of Saint. Nicholas and motorcyclists conducted a retro-reflective action in the church. Activities were conducted under the slogans “Visible = Safe”. The goal of the undertaking is to improve the safety of the least protected road users, like pedestrians. After the rituals, the uniform, along with the clergy and motorcyclists, were handed to all children participating in the services of the reflective bands which made of reflective materials, a total of 250. They were founded by the parish and motorcyclists from the SRC  group. In addition, the uninformed in the church held a short lecture on road safety.

Many road users forget about the obligation to wear reflectors outside the built-up area. For 4 years, the provision of the Road Traffic Act obliges pedestrians to place reflections in a visible way for drivers. The mentioned retro-reflective elements can be any objects attached to clothing, reflective vests, bands, stickers, leashes, etc. It is recommended to place them at the knee, hand and chest and back. You can also wear reflective clothing made of reflective fabrics. Thanks to this protection, we will be sure that they are visible to other traffic participants. All activities aimed at increasing the safety of unprotected road users are part of the campaign entitled. “I’m safe.”

Residents got flares

A preventive action has begun. As part of the action, reflective materials were given out on the streets of the whole commune.

Here we see was conducted last Thursday, October 25. On the streets of the municipality, reflective bands were handed out, while the officers and employees of the Municipal Office reminded us of the obligation to wear reflective vests outside the undeveloped area and the benefits of wearing flares.

Recall that after dark, a person dressed in the dark and without glare is visible from a distance of 20-30 meters. If it has a reflective element or reflective tape on clothing, the driver has the chance to see it from a distance of up to 150 meters. It has a better chance of reacting, inhibiting or bypassing the pedestrian.

Here we see was very popular with the residents and the Municipal Office announced that the action would be carried out again.

Fatal accident

Police officers under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office, explain the circumstances of the accident that occurred last night. A 65-year-old man was mortally knocked down on an unlit stretch of road.

The tragic event took place on Wednesday, November 28, around 20:30 on the national road No. 42.

As it results from preliminary findings, on a straight stretch of road in an unlit place, a 19-year-old resident of the County, driving a VW passenger car, hit a 65-year-old man, a resident of the commune, on the road.

As a result of injuries, the pedestrian was killed on the spot. The driver was sober. The body of a 65-year-old and the vehicle were secured at the disposal of the prosecutor’s office. The policemen carried out a detailed inspection, securing forensic traces.

Traffic policemen appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, for particular caution and prudence. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with the light on and observe the speed limits, and when weather conditions are worse, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. We appeal not to charge, think or anticipate threats. It is worth to check the technical condition of the vehicle, which will answer the question of whether our vehicle is efficient and safe. 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 material is threatened by a fine. Although traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests with reflective tapes and reflective elements in the built-up area, they, to a large extent, improve visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving their health.

The steps you must follow when you have a breakdown on the road

Both in the city and on the road, in case of an emergency, connect the emergency signaling to notify other users.

Whenever you can, slow down and head towards the shoulder or to a side away from the main road, where the car and its occupants are protected.

When you have a breakdown on the road, try to signal your vehicle well so that other drivers know your situation.

The average age of the passenger car fleet in Spain is now 12 years old and according to data from the General Directorate of Traffic, about 65% of the vehicles that circulate in Spain are more than ten years old. With these data, it is not strange that road failures increase. In 2016, mechanical problems increased by more than 16%, as confirmed by the RACE Fault Barometer. Breakdowns related to batteries or tires and traffic accidents were the most frequent problems.

Older cars or those that are poorly maintained are more likely to suffer a breakdown or accident, so be prepared to know how to act. Both in town and on the road, in case of any problem or emergency, emergency signaling must be connected to notify other users.

On the road, we must act with greater care due to the higher speed at which the vehicles circulate. Although it is an unforeseen and complicated situation, it is important to remain calm to act quickly and accurately without looking away from what is happening around you. Whenever you can, slow down and head towards the shoulder or to a side away from the main road, where the car and its occupants are protected.

Remember that, if you are forced to stop the car in a place that interferes with the movement of other vehicles, it is mandatory that you use emergency triangles. Do not forget that both the driver and passengers must put on the reflective clothing with reflective tape for clothing before leaving the vehicle. Failure to comply with these regulations and/or not use the triangles carries a fine of 200 Euros.

Once the presence of the vehicle is well marked and the occupants are not in danger, you can call the assistance service through your insurance company to come to help you or through any company specializing in roadside assistance. It is important that you stay away from the road to avoid abuses and that at no time you remove the reflective vest.

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.

What should you know before traveling?

Poles do not shy away from foreign car trips. They often result from saving compared to, for example, air transport prices. Regardless of the reason for the decision to travel by own car to other countries, you should prepare yourself accordingly. Second movement rules in other countries usually differ from those in force in Poland.

Although the issues of equipping a car traveling on European roads are set out in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, in many countries, there is no shortage of different legal tools.

What to pay attention to before traveling abroad by car?

A national driving license is sufficient for traveling around Europe. The obligation to have an international driving license is min. In Mexico, Brazil or the United Arab Emirates. The issue of car documents and insurance looks different. Regardless of the direction of travel, you must take your registration document and proof of the OC policy with you. In addition, in the case of trips to countries outside the European Union, it is necessary to have an international insurance certificate. Colloquially, it is referred to as a “green card”.

Another important issue during the preparation for a foreign trip is checking traffic regulations with particular emphasis on all restrictions. It is worth paying attention to:

Speed limits on particular types of roads.

Regulations regarding the possession of a reflective vest with reflective tape for the driver and passengers.

Procedure for dealing with roadside checks.

Rules on the obligation to ride on winter tires (in winter).

How should a car be equipped for a foreign trip?

Thanks to the provision of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, it is enough that the car will be equipped with reflective materials that are required by national law. If the driver has everything he needs to drive in Poland, it is also sufficient for trips to other European countries.

At the same time, it should be noted that even the reflective vest is not considered as a car’s equipment and its possession is required in many countries. For your peace of mind, it is worth having not only a vest but also spare bulbs and fuses that can be useful in case of problems with the car.

As for the specific requirements for mandatory car equipment in the countries concerned, such data are published by the European Commission.

Police officers handed out fines but also well-visible bags

Police officers checked more than one hundred vehicles and 28 drivers committed a misdemeanor. On Friday, police spokeswoman Marketa John summarized the findings of the traffic safety event that took place in Melnik on Wednesday afternoon. Police officers went into action concentrating above all on seat belts, holding a mobile phone behind the wheel – as well as using the blinkers when leaving the roundabout.

The use of belts by the driver or co-driver has been omitted in six cases. Even seven times police officers fined for a poor technical condition. And three times the speed was detected, John recalled frequent (and repetitive) offenses. “One driver drove under the influence of alcohol,” she added. “He breathed in a single promise,” she said, that the value found remained below the threshold separating the offense from the offense.

However, police officers gave not only sanctions but also reflexive items. Already in the morning, they focused on the visibility of pedestrians. For children, they had reflective tapes, drivers got reflective vests and seniors bags with reflective fabrics. “The most reflective materials were distributed in the village, where the bus stop is illuminated. Walkers in dark clothes are almost invisible here, “added John.

 

“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.