Tag: safety vest

Different countries, different regulations: if you explore Europe in your vehicle, you have to pay attention to a few things. The tips for traveling in the car, camper, and on the bike.

 

Social distancing cannot always be observed in public transport. It is also sometimes difficult to follow the rules on a plane or when traveling by coach. Those who still do not want to do without their vacation abroad in times of Corona should not infrequently travel by car.

 

However, if you want to turn your back on Switzerland during the holiday season, you should consider a few things. The following applies: Different countries, different regulations. Before crossing the border, all necessary precautions should be taken. Only those who stick to the regulations can avoid unpleasant surprises. You will find what you have to pay attention to where in the following tips from the TCS.

 

Travel by car

The CH sticker and the breakdown triangle must not be forgotten when traveling abroad. Both of them on board ensure a carefree journey across Europe.

A safety vest is also essential. It must be worn on Italian and French roads in the event of a breakdown.

First aid kits must be carried with you in Austria and Italy.

Some cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic also require an environmental sticker. This is available from TCS.

It can also be stranger: In Greece, Poland, or Latvia a fire extinguisher is compulsory.

 

Trips by camper or caravan

In principle, the above rules also apply to campers and caravans. Depending on the country, additional regulations must be observed when driving larger vehicles.

 

Anyone with a category B driver’s license is authorized to drive a camper with a weight of up to 3.5 tons. He is also allowed to sit behind the wheel of a minibus with a maximum of 9 seats and a trailer weighing 750 kg. Anyone who owns a larger vehicle needs a category C, D, or higher driver’s license.

 

There are also a few things to consider when it comes to accommodation. The spaces allowed for motorhomes and caravans are strictly regulated in Europe. Only in Sweden is wild camping allowed throughout the country.

Anyone driving through Italy must equip a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons with reflective speed vignettes. These indicate the maximum speed on the motorways (80 km / h) on the right-hand side and the maximum speed outside the city (70 km / h) on the left.

 

Motorcycling

A motorcycle crossing the Swiss border must have a CH sticker.

A safety vest must be worn in the event of a breakdown in Austria on the edge of a motorway or an expressway and France on all roads.

First aid kits and a safety vest according to the European standard EN 471 are mandatory for motorcyclists in Slovenia or Lithuania. In Sweden, this accessory is only recommended, in the Czech Republic only the first aid kit is compulsory.

 

If you are planning a family vacation or have a passenger with you for other reasons, you have to consider the age of the respective person. In several European countries, for example, children are only allowed to take them with them from the age of 5 and in a specially designed seat. A normal passenger seat is allowed for children who are the necessary size to be able to sit on it correctly. In Luxembourg, the person in the passenger seat must be at least 12 years old.

According to Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) is recommended in all cases, wearing a full-face helmet and special Motoradbekleidung with integrated protective reinforcements.

Bike rides

As in Switzerland, most other European countries recommend wearing a helmet. However, there is only an obligation to do so in Spain, Austria, and France. In the inner cities of Spain, it is compulsory for all drivers up to 16 years of age. Outside of built-up areas, helmets are compulsory in Spain for all cyclists. In Austria and France, the obligation applies to all children up to the age of 12. If you drive a faster e-bike, which must in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, France, and Austria helmet wear.

 

In many countries, in addition to the usual correct lighting, reflectors are also mandatory to be able to guarantee additional protection. This applies to all drivers in Germany, Belgium, and France. In Hungary, the Netherlands, and France, a luminous vest must also be worn when visibility is poor.

E-bike riders who have a child with them are not allowed to consume alcohol (0.0 ‰).

 

How does the TCS assess the situation?

The Touring Club Switzerland is not yet able to give an exact forecast of how many Swiss people will travel by car. “At the moment it is still too early to take stock. What can be said for sure is that, for example, TCS campings have 50-70% more bookings from within Germany this year, ”says TCS media spokeswoman Sarah Wahlen.

 

Because many will spend their holidays in Switzerland, it is to be expected that there will be more local traffic congestion at excursion destinations, writes the TCS in a press release. The motorway sections Zurich-Winterthur, Flums-San Bernardino, and Morges-Lausanne are particularly affected. Due to the changed entry regulations, there could also be brief traffic jams at the Swiss borders.

 

The current prevailing situation preoccupied the Swiss population. “There is a tendency for more inquiries to come in during vacation times. And it is clear that the inquiries are partly shaped by the concerns of the population about Corona,” says Sarah Wahlen.

 

In addition to domestic holidays, trips to Germany also appear to be extremely popular this year. The ADAC evaluated the route plans of the members between January and May 2020. It was noticeable that this year 48.5 percent of the inquiries concerned routes in Germany.

A short moment is enough to have fatal consequences. Those who do not make themselves visible in the dark endanger their life.

 

Or, as happened on the evening of November 18 in Ahlsen-Reineberg, it can have dire consequences. At that time there was a head-on collision between two cars on Ahlsener Strasse after an Audi driver avoided a jogger running on the right side of the road and ran into oncoming traffic. The recreational athlete did not wear reflectors on his clothing. “We are not aware of any other accidents in this autumn/winter season that can be traced back to a lack of visibility. That is gratifying and we want to hope that it stays that way,” said district police spokesman Ralf Steinmeyer in an interview with this newspaper.

 

He noted that citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers, especially in the dark season, and that the streetscape is increasingly characterized by people who, for example, wear safety vests and are equipped with reflective material. According to his subjective perception, this was still different five or six years ago. The corresponding policy campaigns fall on fertile ground, although, as can be seen in the accident in Ahlsen, the common sense of the weaker road users cannot be appealed to often enough. Especially since this autumn/winter, due to the corona, the actions under the motto “Visibility brings safety” by the police in the municipalities in Altkreis had to be canceled.

 

Road safety advisor and police chief inspector Klaus Torno have been on the road for the campaign since 2013. “The reason for the start was a series of accidents that year that resulted in the death of seven pedestrians in six weeks.” Also in his perception, “an awful lot has happened”. Whether old or young, quite a few can be seen in traffic in the dark with safety vests.

 

“Make yourself visible,” says Torno. And that doesn’t just apply to what is worn on the body. “Rollators, umbrellas, we’ve put stickers on everything.” The campaign was very well received every year. Joggers can use special vests that are more breathable than conventional ones. “You don’t sweat under it while running.” The diverse range also includes throws. However, attention must be paid to additional reflectors.

 

“It is important to be recognizable from afar from all sides. If you stand to the side of the street, something should light up there too, ”advises the expert. The safety vest must also be increased. The standard version would only have two reflective chest rings. For pedestrians and especially children with their small body size, however, it is crucial to trace the body contours that are reflected as a light reflex for the driver or cyclist. This can be achieved with reflector click tapes, which should also be used. Just click around your arm and leg and be seen better immediately. “This is also called the ‘body language concept’,” says Klaus Torno.

 

The traffic safety advisor regrets that the ADAC has stopped distributing safety vests free of charge to all school beginners for reasons of cost. “That was a great part.” He recommends parents not to buy the cheapest version of the vest for their children, but rather to focus on quality.

 

The expert also has tips ready for the older generation. A rollator can be equipped with lighting set in addition to the reflective material. “That directs the driver’s attention very well and early on to the respective person.” Seniors in particular have an immensely high risk of injury, accidents generally have worse effects and the injured elderly person’s regeneration is much slower. Of course, it is also important for cyclists to be seen, but also to recognize passers-by in good time. Some older bicycle models only have a “funzel” instead of a reasonable lamp, which then reacts worse to the reflectors.

 

Klaus Torno remembers two fatal accidents in 2013, one in Bad Oeynhausen, the other in Hille. While in one case a passer-by was fatally carried by a shopping trolley that was hit by a car and carried her away, in the other case it was a woman who simply put her garbage can (“This can also be made recognizable”) on the street wanted to bring. That brief moment was enough to be overlooked.

The fire department and the traffic guards are starting a new project on road safety: kindergartens in East Friesland are given safety vests that they can lend to children. The institutions must report now.

Aurich – The dark season has begun – the difficult lighting conditions make it more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in traffic. Since children are particularly at risk, the Ostfriesische Verkehrswachten and the Ostfriesische Landschaftliche Brandkasse are starting a new project: 318 kindergartens in Ostfriesland are called upon to report their need for safety vests for children under six years of age. The fire fund provides 2000 vests with reflective stripes for this purpose. They can be borrowed. That comes from a press release.

“We know that there are still children who move ‘invisibly’ in the twilight and darkness in traffic,” reports Hajo Reershemius, regional representative of the East Frisian traffic guards. Because their field of vision is limited compared to adults, children are particularly at risk, he explains. And: With dark clothing, people can only be seen from a distance of 25 meters. With light-colored clothing, it is already 40 meters, with reflective clothing even around 140 meters. Reershemius: “At 50 km / h, the stopping distance is around 30 meters, which is not enough to stop in front of the pedestrian! This is where our idea comes in: There should be lending vests at as many of the 381 East Frisian kindergartens as possible.”

Traffic guards distribute the west

“Of course we are aware that the demand will be significantly greater than our project allows, but we just want to set positive signals and try something new with the ‘pool character'”, says Signe Foetzki, press spokeswoman for the Brandkasse Communication cited. “This time, our motivation in terms of prevention is also based on social issues,” she says. Since there is, unfortunately, no guarantee that every child already has their vest, the Brandkasse 2000 bought different sizes. One of these is to be made available to the local kindergartens so that the institutions can lend the vests to children if necessary.

According to the press release, 53 children under the age of six were involved in accidents last year – 20 fewer than in 2017. “Of the 53 accidents, six were bicycle accidents and eight were pedestrian accidents. Most accidents occur with the little ones as passengers in cars. For us, this means that the children move ‘relatively safely’ in traffic or are very well looked after here. But what is and remains important: signal colors on clothing ensure safety during the day, regardless of whether it is red, yellow, or orange. And in the dark, the reflective strips make it much easier to see,” says Hans-Friedel Walther, Chairman of the Aurich traffic watch. Attention was paid to the procurement of the new vests.

After denying audios that circulated through social networks and that warned fines for not wearing the safety vest in the glove compartment of the car, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) published a series of images that detail where it can be transported device.

 

The audios that circulated through chats indicated that drivers would be exposed to a fine if they did not put it in case a Traffic Police officer asked them to get out of the car. However, these versions were denied by the institution.

 

Where can the vest be worn? According to the MOPT, some recommended places are under the seats or even on the floor of the car.

 

The vest can be transported in the trunk, however, the recommendation is not to carry it in this place due to the risk that a collision will not allow the door to be opened.

 

What is a fact is that the fine for not having this device in the vehicle is around c 23 thousand.

 

These are the clarifications made by the ministry this Wednesday:

Although it is legal to carry the vest in the trunk, it is recommended not to take it there, in case your car is hit from behind and that trunk cannot be opened.

You do not need to put on your vest if the officer asks you to get out of the car. They are not going to fine you. If you want to wear it, it is your decision.

It is not mandatory to carry it in the glove compartment, as we have already said.

The fine for not carrying it in the car is around c 23 thousand.

The places where you can wear the vest, that is, anywhere, but preferably not in the trunk, also apply to the fire extinguisher.

At the turn of the year, a new law on the use of electric scooters came into force in Spain, including the Balearic island of Mallorca. This includes, among other things, an adjustment of the maximum permitted speed of the scooters. This is now 25 kilometers per hour.

 

In addition to the new speed limit, there will be other rules for e-scooter drivers to observe in the future. It is now forbidden to drive on sidewalks, promenades, and in pedestrian zones. Furthermore, drivers of e-scooters must also adhere to the applicable traffic regulations, as do other vehicle owners.

 

Extended rules in Palma de Mallorca

 

Since the beginning of November 2020, Mallorca’s capital Palma de Mallorca has had its regulation on the use of electric scooters to avoid accidents. Drivers have to drive with lights not only at night but also during the day. Clothing with reflective elements, such as a safety vest, must also be worn while driving. It is also forbidden to use the scooter in pairs. This also includes taking a child with you. The minimum age for driving an electric scooter is 15 years. The Palma regulation also recommends wearing a helmet. However, this is not expressly required.

 

No cell phone on the scooter ride

 

In general, it has also been the case since 2019 that electric scooters are only allowed to drive in 30 km / h zones and on bike paths. The use of main roads is taboo. Listening to music on the scooter ride is not permitted, as is the use of the mobile phone. Rental in public places and paths is prohibited in Mallorca’s capital. The alcohol limit that applies to driving other vehicles also applies to driving a scooter.

The German Equestrian Association (FN) has produced an information film on the subject of “Drivers meets riders” to educate road users and thus contribute to accident prevention. The information film shows six typical traffic situations in which riders, horses, and cars meet. The focal points treated are “approaching riders”, “approaching the guided horse”, “overtaking riders”, “turning riders”, “crossing roads” and “riders in oncoming traffic”.

It explains in a matter-of-fact, sober manner what needs to be considered about riders and horses as slow road users, according to the Rosenthal riding and driving association.

“We are very pleased that the FN is taking up the topic and recalling the horse as a participant in traffic. Many road users in Rosenthal behave considerately, but the volume of traffic is increasing and does not make it easier for us riders. We wish that horses can continue to take part in road traffic,” says Birgit Niebisch, 1st chairwoman of the Rosenthal-Willershausen riding and driving club.

But not only is the volume of traffic increases, but many vehicles have also become faster and larger. Horses are slow road users and have no crumple zone. A rider on a horse used to be at eye level with a tractor driver, today the tractor tire is often as big as the horse. You can understand that horses, which naturally escape animals, get scared. “We riders would like motorized road users to be made more aware of horses in traffic. Brake early, do not drive too close, overtake with sufficient distance and avoid loud noises such as horns. Consideration for weaker road users in road traffic should be a matter of course for drivers”.

You see horses in traffic every day in Rosenthal. Here the four-legged friends live in more than ten stables, which are spread over the whole place. Every day 15 to 20 horses go through the traffic from the stable to the riding facility. If you don’t want to train there, but prefer to ride off-road, i.e. in the field and forest, you also have to pass roads. The way to the pasture also leads through the village for many, because the pasture does not border on the stable for all. This path is different every day for horse and rider and not always easy.

“We sometimes ride through the village for up to 20 minutes to get to the riding area. This even has advantages: the horse has already completed the warm-up phase in the walk and you can start training directly on the riding facility. Also, the path through the village offers variety, the horses learn to deal with new situations again and again,” reports Birgit Niebisch.

Be careful in the dark

Especially in the dark season of the year, there is a further risk for the horse road user: being seen too late by drivers and possibly being hit. Here chairwoman Birgit Niebisch especially appeals to the riders to illuminate themselves and their horses sufficiently. If you make your way to the riding arena in the late afternoon in the light of day, you shouldn’t forget to have your reflective articles with you so that you don’t be surprised by the dark after riding and have to ride home unlit.

There are all kinds of reflector items on the market, from the helmet lamp and the safety vest for the rider, to reflective blankets and reflective leg protection for the horse, to brightly flashing light rings, to name just a few. It is important to be equipped with reflective or luminous elements on all sides, such as front, back, and sides.

The upsurge in soft mobility in recent months is currently associated with shorter days, which increases the risk of accidents when traveling by bicycle, scooter, or electric scooter.

The Toulouse -based startup Road-Light is launching the Clic-Light V2 today, this small safety vest with integrated lighting, which allows you to be seen in traffic. Associated with remote control, it can trigger a certain number of light signals, such as the stoplights (on a motorcycle), position lights, hazard lights, right-left turn signal, and fog lights, all at the level of the field of vision of the car user.

On motorcycles/scooters, it is possible to connect the Remote control to the vehicle’s rear signaling system, using the 8-wire cable. In this version, the Position Light comes on automatically as soon as the vehicle’s ignition key is turned and the vehicle’s signaling commands are automatically synchronized with the Clic-Light.

Among the small appreciable functions, one will note the recharging in USB C, the adaptation of the brightness according to the environment, the autonomy of 10 days, or the effect “progressive sweep” of the indicators.

Bicycle traffic in Düsseldorf is increasing. Even in the darker months of the year, many people get on their bikes every day: to work, to school, or as a sporting activity. The state capital’s office for traffic management now advises all cyclists to pay particular attention to be visible. This applies to the bike path and even more so on the road.

 

Even at dusk and especially in the dark, people see up to 80 percent worse than in light. Even if you think you can still see enough yourself, that does not mean that the other road users are also good at it.

 

Be in the dark

 

Dark-clad people only noticed from a distance of 25 to 30 meters.

brightly dressed people recognized from 40 to 50 meters.

People with reflective clothing are seen from 130 to 160 meters away.

What are the regulations and how can I as a cyclist – and my cycling children – optimally protect myself in the dark in traffic? Here are a few “WHEEL strokes” from the traffic managers to cycle safely through the dark season:

 

Lights and reflectors on the bike

To be safe in the dark as a cyclist, it is important to have the right lighting and reflectors on the bike. It’s not just about being seen, it’s also about having a good view of yourself.

 

Prescribed lighting on the bike:

 

Headlight (white) and taillight (red)

Large surface reflector (red) with “Z” marking

Yellow reflectors on the pedals

Two spoke reflectors (yellow) or reflective material (white) on the spoke rim or tire per wheel.

In addition to the dynamo, rechargeable batteries and battery lighting are also permitted, provided they have a test mark (-K).

Correct headlight setting is also important for bicycles to ensure good illumination and not to dazzle oncoming traffic.

 

Reflective clothing

Even with the prescribed lighting, pedal knights are not necessarily optimally visible on the bike. Especially in rain and fog, there is a risk that a cyclist will not be seen or seen too late despite the light. That is why it makes a lot of sense not only to make your bike more visible but also for yourself with appropriate clothing or reflectors. Clothes, shoes, and helmets are more noticeable in bright colors and with reflective stripes! Useful accessories include LED wristbands, reflectors, and safety vests.

 

Reflective bike accessories

Bicycle accessories can also contribute to good visibility. Therefore, when buying bicycle bags, baskets, child seats, or trailers, cyclists should make sure that they provide extra light in the dark, for example through reflector strips.

It makes a difference whether you ride a horse or just ride. It is said that one can ride after about 200 hours in a saddle. What are the general rules to follow when you start? It is necessary to think not only about how to hold on properly in the saddle but also about the horse itself.

 

Do you think you will start riding or take your children to horses? There is no age limit, neither lower nor upper. Children from kindergarten can also drive. However, if you want to teach them professional riding, for example at the Pohoda Ranch in Albrechtice near Havířov, they recommend starting with it from the age of 10. Adults should then consider their health and also take into account that after the first hour, the whole body hurts calmly for five days.

 

Horseback riding is a natural physical movement that significantly improves health and fitness. When riding a horse, in addition to the commonly used muscles, you also involve the deeply stored muscles, which are essential for good coordination and healthy posture. Also, movement in the saddle will help with back pain after a long session.

 

1) How to choose a riding school

 

First, look around for a suitable riding school. On the Internet, you will find a rich offer of stables in big cities and the countryside. You can also ask among friends or parents of your children’s classmates. One of the guarantees of the quality of the stable is membership in the Czech Equestrian Federation. It is a good idea to take trial training before enrollment and verify that the instructor is properly trained and has valid authority to provide lessons. You can verify this yourself on the federation’s website in the Equestrian Information System. During the first rides, you will find out if the approach of the instructor and the horse selected by him suits you. But you can also assess the atmosphere, appearance of the stable, and the health of the animals.

 

2) What I need

 

Equip yourself or a small rider with protective equipment, such as a protective three-point helmet, suitable riding boots, and a safety vest or spine protector is important for children. In the very beginning, you don’t have to buy riding breeches, other tight-fitting ones will suffice, instead of riding boots, higher ankle boots with a smooth sole will suffice for the first ride. However, protective accessories are essential. After a while, the rider will also need a whip. There is simply not much that riders take to the stables, so it is good to drive them with a large enough car, especially if you drive their friends in addition to your offspring. The Lexus NX, which has a large enough case for everything you need, will serve perfectly. It’s a crossover that can handle even more demanding terrain, but it’s still not big enough to make it difficult for you to maneuver in the city. Also, the hybrid version saves consumption and emissions, which is a great benefit in nature. Plus, it doesn’t make as much noise as a regular car.

 

3) What is a lounger

 

The horse on which the beginner sits and learns to ride serves as a trainer, as a sports equipment. A novice rider cannot coordinate his movements with him, so he acts like a heavy load, sometimes he kicks the horse with his heels, he pulls too hard on the reins, which can hurt his teeth. That is why there is a so-called lounger, which teaches the rider the right posture without hurting the animal. A lounger is a rope about 10 meters long that is held by a lounging man. He stands in the middle of an imaginary circle, holding a long lunging whip in one hand and a lunge in the other, with a horse at the end. The peasant is in charge of the horse, while the man on horseback is only in charge of himself. So for beginners, this method is ideal.

 

4) We start driving

 

Once you learn to sit properly, you will find out what a trot is and how the body works with it, and when you can stop the horse, you can put it off. It is usually after six to ten lessons in the lounge. It will probably be the phase when you will start teaching your horses to prepare for the ride. Take him out of the stable, tighten the saddle correctly, adjust the stirrups, and also get on and off yourself. Then you start stepping, like walking around the riding hall. From here, it is only a step towards independent trotting and further improvement.

 

More than eight months after the completion of the ballot system for the measured parking in different areas of the city, it is very difficult to find a space to leave the vehicles, even on the left hand, because of few respect the possibility that was offered from the Municipality to park on Friday afternoons and Saturdays during business hours. “We find that every day there are cars detained in the opposite hand to the allowed one, generating long lines in San Nicolás Norte to get to Avenida de Mayo”, the local newspaper La Opinion told some residents of the area who see how it is complicated traffic in the central area of the city.

 

Although the Deliberative Council recently approved a modern application called Simple to have paid parking at various points, reality indicates that until the Executive, represented in the figure of Mayor Javier Martínez, does not decide to enact the ordinance, it will continue without canon to park in the central radius that every day shows more difficulties due to lack of spaces.

 

Increasingly “rags”

One of the images that are being observed is the increase in the caregivers, or popularly known as “rags”. There are many streets where at the moment of parking people approaching a collaboration and this is because in those arteries previously the measuring system was, even in the San José, May 25, and Merced squares, to name a few examples. These people are walking the sidewalks early and attentive to when someone stops to apply for financial aid.

 

“There are people who are fixed, who already have their stops and nobody seems to want to fight for these places that are privileged due to the vehicular flow that exists at all hours of the day,” some opinion leaders told LA OPINION.

 

“You find that some have a fluorescent safety vest or a bucket and offer to wash the car while they make you a place to park, although in this case, nobility obliges, we must say that they are with that work long before the placement of the card was completed. the paper”, added one of the merchants that have its premises near Avenida de Mayo and Monteagudo.

 

At 45 degrees

There are new places, such as in the Plaza 25 de Mayo, where it can stop at 45 degrees, but for this measure to ex    tend to the other blocks of the downtown area where they could already do renovations for that purpose, it is essential that drivers do not stop the cars on the left-hand side, as they do near the Bingo that works in the 9 de Julio area or front of the studios or shops of the place; “You cannot stop no matter how much they put the beacons, it is forbidden to park on the left side,” reiterated municipal sources.

 

“The presence of traffic inspectors, the crane and the patrols of the Road Safety Agency is constant,” they said regarding the measures that are taken despite the general non-compliance by vehicle drivers.

In no more than 100 meters two trucks carrying drinks were standing on the forbidden side and in one case the crates were placed on the street, further obstructing the passage.