Tag: reflective vest

Safety vest mandatory in Germany since July

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

About the driving and use of electric bikes in Spain

You also see them in Spain more and more. Then we are not talking about the Dutch and Belgians who came to Spain with their electric bicycle to cycle during their holidays but also Spaniards who go for the electric bicycle without wear reflective safety vest. Of course, that is not yet in such large quantities as in the Netherlands, but you can see them more and more, also because there is more and more supply and the bikes become cheaper. However, what are the rules, laws and regulations for the use of electric bicycles in Spain?

 

An electric bicycle is a means of transport that is powered by an electric motor, whether or not in combination with muscle strength. In the Netherlands, the electric bicycle is officially called “bicycle with pedal assistance” which is a bicycle that works in combination with muscle strength and therefore only provides support. This type of bicycle is sometimes called “pedicel,” a contraction of English words pedal and electric). This name is also sometimes heard in Spain.

 

In Spain, the following general rules apply:

For riding an electric bicycle with pedal assistance that cannot be faster than 25 km / h and has a capacity of up to 500 watts (formerly 250 watts just like in the Netherlands / Belgium) engine power, the same rules apply as for a normal bicycle. For bicycles with an electric motor that can be faster than 25 km / h and have more engine power or can be driven without kicking, the rules for mopeds apply. This means that with the bikes one should not in principle, be allowed to ride on the bike path, one should wear a helmet and needs a special driving license. You also need to be insured, just like with mopeds and scooters. The maximum speed for all cyclists including electric bikes is 45 km / h.

 

General rules cycling in Spain

Adults are required to wear a bicycle helmet when driving on the road outside the built-up area, while minors under the age of 16 always have to wear a bicycle helmet (inside and outside the built-up area).

It is recommended to wear reflective clothing during the hours when it is dark. Oddly enough, the rules do not state that it is mandatory to use light, in fact, many cyclists do not even have light on the bike. As everywhere, cyclists must also respect the general traffic rules and stop at the STOP signs, zebra crossings and traffic lights. If one does not do that then one can get fines just like the driver.

 

Take care of the bike, that is, make sure the chain is good, the brakes work and the tires have the right tension so that cycling is safer. Every time you sit on the bike and want to turn to the right or left, you have to indicate that well and well in advance. If one drives with a group of cyclists on the main road, this should be done in parallel with a maximum of two people next to each other unless there is a lot of traffic and visibility is obstructed, then one has to cycle behind each other.

 

It is forbidden to ride on the bicycle with the headphones to listen to music, with the mobile phone in hand or after using drugs and alcohol. Cycling on motorways is prohibited for minors under 14 years of age. The other cyclists may provide they wear a helmet and reflective vest, ride on the emergency lane of motorways, something that has undoubtedly been seen in Spain. This is only allowed on those motorways where there are no prohibition signs. Have we forgotten something? Have we misinterpreted something? Then let us know with a link to a source where more information can be obtained. This way we get a good and correct overview of driving electric bikes in Spain.

Road safety: New laws to reduce accidents

Many new laws have to be passed concerning the Highway Code to reduce the number of deaths due to road accidents. Security is priceless you will see, keep some safety accessories will be better. Since the beginning of this year 2011 there has been an increase of more than 12% in the number of people killed compared. François Felon’s government met urgently to vote for restrictive laws.

 

Now exceeding the maximum authorized speed of more than 50 km / h will be a crime the first time, the signs signaling the speed cameras will be deleted. For the blood alcohol level, it will always be the same but if we exceed the 0.8 g / L in the blood, 8 points instead of six will sanction it. However, just use “save a friend” the application of the Road safety. The use of the phone while driving without a hands-free system will be in contravention of fourth class with 3 points removed from the license instead of 2. Even hardening if using a “screen device” other than a GPS – 1.500 Euros and three points against 135 Euros and two points – or traffic on the band of emergency stop.

 

The focus will be on two wheels, which account for only 2% of traffic but 24% of those killed. They will have to wear the reflective vest, for those who would have stopped driving two-wheelers for more than 5 years will have to undergo training to get back to the stirrup. License plates will be enlarged to facilitate controls. The committee brought together Ministers Xavier Bertrand (Labor), Claude Giant, Nathalie Kosciusko, Thierry Mariana, and the inter-ministerial delegate for Road Safety. Experts and associations of families of road victims said Wednesday “very disappointed” by the measures announced to try to stem the rise in the death toll, saying they will be insufficient to counter the detrimental effect of the relaxation the point’s license. If that still is not enough, you can watch the shock campaign of road safety…

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

He had just recovered his license

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

 

Road Safety: Update on retro-reflective elements

What color will it be necessary to wear? Should we change his equipment? Why only big cubes seem concerned? Here is an inventory of the obligation to ride with retro-reflective equipment from 2013. Good news in the lot: fluorescent allergic are spared.

 

The IRB’s implementing decree, issued yesterday, surprised motorcyclists, scooters … and equipment manufacturers. Indeed, it was suspected that the wearing of elements improving the visibility of motorized two-wheelers (2WD) would be made mandatory, but the announced surface is much talked about. While some agitate the spectrum of the yellow vest and that, the visibility of day leaves many doubts, it seems important to us to make a point on this measure and what it will imply.

 

Visibility on a motorcycle: It will be necessary to reflect

The Order of 3 January 2012 relating to retro-reflective equipment worn by all drivers or passengers of a motorcycle with a cylinder capacity greater than 125 cc or a vehicle of category L5e with a power greater than 15 kW [NOR: IOCS1134710A is clear enough:

 

Not later than 1 January 2013, all drivers or passengers of a motorcycle with a cylinder capacity exceeding 125 cc or a vehicle of category L5e with a power of more than 15 kW must wear a garment equipped with a retro reflective equipment, corresponding to either French standards or other standards guaranteeing an equivalent level of safety. This equipment, in one or more parts, must have a total surface area of at least 150 cm². If this equipment is not integrated into the garment from the beginning, it is superimposed on it by any means. The equipment should be worn on the upper body, with the exception of the helmet, from the belt to the shoulder line to be visible to other road users.

 

Motorcycle jacket with enough retro-reflective part for 2013It will not necessarily wear a yellow reflective vest. The equipment must be retro reflective (for night visibility), not fluorescent. We contacted Road Safety about this. According to what we announced in August 2011, the retro-reflective material will not necessarily be fluorescent yellow or white. If the standards EN 471 and EN 1150 (corresponding to the yellow vests required at night by bicycle) constitute a minimum, the standard EN 13356 is admissible.

 

However, this standard is much more interesting for those who do not wish to alter the aesthetics of their outfit. Indeed, it does not mention basic colors. A prismatic film, transparent, affixed to a color of your choice, provides the retro-reflective function. We can therefore consider finding jackets with more than 150 cm² of retro-reflective surface at night, which will remain black (or blue, red, etc.) the day. It will be the same for armbands that will use those whose jacket or jacket will not have enough surfaces.

 

When buying, the question will quickly arise: how do you know if the jacket meets the correct specifications? Manufacturers have a few months to upgrade their current range. If the jacket has enough retro-reflective surfaces, the manufacturer will be able to send to the dealers a certificate, to present in case of control. If not, we will probably find additional retro-reflective armbands. It remains to be seen how the manufacturers will react for future ranges, which will have to be sold all over the world, and not only in France. The choice of retractable elements, like what Axon offers, seems relevant, but it is not applicable on all types of jackets, especially leather jackets.

 

Nevertheless, the validity of this measure annoys many bikers, who quite rightly specify that the daytime wearing of this equipment is useless and that it is only a means to draw up easy tickets. If we cannot certify the second part, we must recognize that verbalization (€ 68 and 2 points less) should dissuade those who ride without a jacket, and who will be the first controlled. Regarding the limitation of displacement, since the 125 cm³ are not concerned, this is, according to our information, only a question of time. Some will remember that in 1973, when the wearing of the helmet was made mandatory.

 

Yellow vest with motorcycle: Cuckoo, here it is again

When the summer torpor does not serve as an excuse to pass a law discreetly, it sometimes brings up in some media astonishing questions. You thought it was definitely buried since last year. More tenacious than a Z-series zombie, the fluorescent vest remains a subject apparently vital for some. The proof with this poll RMC and BFM TV appeared yesterday. Do not suffocate yourself by reading his utterance, made almost false by a timely omission.

 

Fluorescent vest mandatory for all according to RMC and BFM TV

“The yellow reflective vest is mandatory for motorists, not for motorcyclists, contrary to what our German, Belgian, or Italian neighbors do.” Playing on words, this survey clearly suggests that it is necessary to make wearing a yellow vest mandatory for French bikers, some of whom have been dreaming since 2011. By citing Belgium or Germany, the amalgam is all the easier to do that on our roads, it is not uncommon to meet bikers in these countries wearing fluorescent equipment (helmet or jacket). However, they do this only by choice, the German and Italian legislation requiring the transport of the vest under the saddle to be able to dispose of it in case of breakdown, not its permanent wearing.

 

A proposal made last year by the CNSR with a threat of a fine of 35 € in case of non-port after the tragic-comic saga of the armbands and 150 cm² retro-reflective that had to be imposed – by day – motorcyclists and scooters. It will be recalled that the wearing of the retro-reflective vest is mandatory for cyclists traveling at night outside an agglomeration, the headlights and lights available on a bicycle are not very effective to be as visible as are these elements on a car or a Motorbike. On the other side of the Channel, high visibility vests are also used for all kinds of things.

 

Pedestrians: be visible on the roads with reflective vest

Since 2010, pedestrian mortality on the roads has been steadily increasing. In addition, accidents are more frequent at night. However, the wearing of the yellow reflective vest is not required in case of low visibility.

 

In 2014, 499 pedestrians were killed in France and 4,323 admitted for their wounds, according to statistics from the National Observatory of Road Safety (ONISR). Since 2010, the mortality of this category of users is constantly increasing.

 

At night, accidents are more frequent and more serious. The share of pedestrians killed at night represents 47% of the pedestrian mortality, or 233 pedestrians. It is a little stronger than that of all users killed at night (41%). However, this proportion varies according to the environment: pedestrians killed at night represent 32% of the pedestrian mortality in the city (342 of which 110 at night), 73% of the pedestrian mortality on roads outside urban areas (113 of which 83 at night) and 91% pedestrian toll on motorway (44 of which 40 at night).

 

At night or in fog, pedestrian groups should be visible

Wearing retro-reflective equipment, such as the yellow vest, is not required at night or in low visibility. Road safety only recommends that pedestrians wear light-colored clothing or retro-reflective tape to be visible at 150 m instead of 30 m. On the other hand, the Highway Code provides that “at night, or during the day when visibility is insufficient, the processions, convoys, processions or groupings of pedestrians must be indicated at the front by at least one white or yellow light Switched on and at the rear by at least one red light on.”

 

Wearing yellow vest for drivers stopped on the roadside

Since July 2008, motorists and truck drivers have to wear a yellow vest when they are forced out of their parked vehicle on the road or by the roadside. Since 1 January 2016, this requirement also applies to drivers of two or three-wheeled motor vehicles. In addition, the Labor Code requires the use of high-visibility clothing for workers working on roads and highways during construction work or temporary danger.

 

Raising the awareness of the youngest

Many local initiatives to protect pedestrians have been adopted. Departmental councils require the wearing of the yellow vest for children who use the school bus. Since the start of the school year 2015, a half-day of awareness of good behaviors and basic safety rules has been introduced in high schools. Wearing retro-reflective or fluorescent visibility elements on clothing, school bags or armbands is recommended.

 

They hung on the logo and slogan of the yellow vest

The Children’s City Council met on Saturday. Aurora Caro, municipal councilor delegate for children and youth, guided the debates. This second council after the start of the school year had on the agenda: set the slogan and logo to be on the new yellow vests to distribute to schoolchildren this year. Remember that in 2016 and 2017, the motto “I think in the night, I think of my life” was flocked to reflective clothing.

 

“The reflective vest saves the lives of young and old”

The counselors endowed with a fertile imagination defended their proposals. “My vest equals my safety”, “Think about it, the reflective vest, everyone goes there,” “In Menu, on foot or by bike, you need a fluorescent vest,” “For your safety, wear a vest”, “With a vest, you are saved”…

 

Ultimately, the slogan adopted after the vote was that of Lilly-Sarah: “The reflective vest saves the lives of young and old.” As for the logo proposal, that of Algae won the majority of votes: two concentric circles in which a boy and a girl wearing a vest hold hands. The advisors decided to solicit local insurers to help them financially with the realization of the fluorescent vests.

 

Outdoor cinema on July 6

Three other points were adopted unanimously: the outdoor cinema, the visit of the rescue center and a day of animation. The open-air cinema session will be held on the last day of school, July 6, in the City Hall Park. On this occasion, Mila wishes this year a distribution of drinks and argues: “Eating popcorn makes you thirsty.” The day of animation could take place in March, the carnival in the morning then a boom in the afternoon room Alain.

 

 

Cyclists and the duty to wear reflective elements

The association that supports cycling as a mode of transport does not agree with the obligation for pedestrians to wear reflective garments on their clothing. The Ministry of Transport enforces this in the amendment to the Act on Road Traffic. “This duty is inadequate, especially in pedestrian-friendly villages, and drivers should be ready for them,” said European MEP Bike Vice President Daniel.

 

“Introducing the pedestrian’s obligation to wear reflective elements is contrary to the principle of the responsibility of stronger motorists for damages they may cause,” said Moure. The ministry in the proposal demands that the reflective elements be worn in the village where there is no walkway and which are not sufficiently illuminated.

 

However, according to the association, such conditions meet a number of residential districts, where pedestrians would not be able to move without reflective vest according to the law. In fact, this will be completely different, the association warned, demanding that even without reflective elements the pedestrian could pass through the communication. In such a case, for example, he might be obliged to step back on the roadside before passing the motorcycle.

 

In addition to wearing reflective elements, the association requires modifications to the obligations of cyclists when moving in traffic. This includes, among other things, the abolition of the obligation to ride at the right edge of the road, which threatens cyclists, for example, when roads, in narrow lanes or before a roundabout, park the roads. Cyclists at the crossing for cyclists should also take precedence over branching vehicles. They prefer to join them even when a motor vehicle comes from a special road, so that the marked cycle paths are not interrupted in these sections.

 

Among the associations that submitted comments on the law were, for example, the Auto * Mat Association, organizing cycling, the Brno bicycle association or the Partnership Foundation.

BESIP distributes 100 thousand reflective tapes by April

Prevention is also targeted at BESIP, which is part of the Ministry of Transport. “Together with the BESIP shelf, reflective vest are distributed to people for free. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 15,000 have been donated. Furthermore, the Czech Tourists Club will give 10 thousand reflection elements, for example. At this year’s Moto salon in Brno, 10 thousand will be handed out, “said Tomas Neola, spokesman for the Ministry of Transport.

 

During March and April, BESIP plans to hand out 100,000 of these items.

From the new duty of shining, some municipalities also promise to limit prostitution. The women waiting on the road tend to refuse to reflex reflective tapes. “We believe there will be more controls and the presence of the police discourages potential customers from stopping prostitutes,” said MF DNES deputy mayor in Nomo Robert Vanes.

 

For example, in Vipers, prostitutes now control more. “In our cadastre, we stand on the outpost to the border where we can use the controls. I see another sub-lever in that, “said Peter Majorly, Chief of Police at the local police.

 

The police presidium, however, claims that its people are not specifically targeted at prostitutes. “As a rule, the police do not as a rule investigate the reason for the pedestrian on the road during his / her activity in relation to road safety. It is important that the purpose of the law is met and that the pedestrian is sufficiently visible to other road users. The purpose of this legal regulation was certainly not to fight prostitution, but to make pedestrians more visible, “added the spokesman Josef Boca.