Tag: safety vests

Mototaxis drivers sensitized in Douala

According to a recent report, 23% of traffic deaths occur among motorcyclists.

Around the world, 3,400 people die every day on the roads. Recent studies have shown that 23% of traffic deaths occur among motorcyclists. In Cameroon in general, and in the city of Douala in particular, the figures for motorcyclists’ accidents are becoming more and more important, because of the limited knowledge that drivers of these two-wheeled vehicles have about road safety. Still across the national triangle, 70% of the causes of traffic accidents are human. “Motorcycles face higher hazards than cars and other vehicles. In fact, the reduced size and less stable nature of the motorcycle, the potholes, the uneven heights between the tracks and other irregularities or objects expected on the road pose a serious threat to the safety of the motorcyclists, “Kaman observes. Kiore Maura, Managing Director of Guinness Cameroon SA.

 

The boss of the brewery apartment company Diageo group was speaking during a sensitization session for motorbike drivers organized by its structure on Saturday, October 14, 2017, in Douala. The event is chaired by Kim Noun Nana Thierry, secretary general of the Littoral region and representative of the governor in the proceedings room of the company based in Bassa district, gathered more than a hundred drivers residing in Douala. Guinness Cameroon SA also took the opportunity to give these carriers safety vests. According to the boss of Guinness Cameroon, this is an effective tool for reducing the risk of accidents because it allows day and night for the person riding the bike to enjoy greater visibility on the road.

 

An initiative that beneficiaries has not failed to salute. “Your commitment is proof that we can count on Guinness Cameroon,” said Willy Kennel, president of the motorcycle drivers of Douala 5th district. The latter took the opportunity to call the brewery to accompany the “bounciness” of Douala in the process of obtaining driving licenses. While recalling the importance of the mode of transport by motorcycle in the city of Douala and in the remote areas, the secretary general of the Littoral region called the beneficiaries of these chasubles to make good use of it. “These chasubles are not just clothes. I invite you to make good use of reflective materials to reduce the accident rate in Cameroon. “said Kim Noun Nana Thierry.

 

In five years, Guinness Cameroon says it has already distributed nearly 200 miles of high visibility vests to motorcycle drivers in Cameroon. “We are trying to do our best to assist the state in this effort to secure the road,” said the CEO of Guinness Cameroon. Throughout his speech, he has repeatedly called on motorcycle drivers to avoid any alcohol consumption when they are called to drive. The representative of the regional delegation of the Littoral transport at this event hailed this initiative which frames according to him with the objectives fixed by the Ministry of Transport.

Heroes in safety vests

Safety vests are helpful – but also cool? Some first graders find: no. You should take a look at bikers!

 

Safety vests – are not they a blessing invention? In bright red, reflective green or neon yellow and some reflective materials, they help to make sure road workers are more reliably recognized, and garbage collectors can change the side of the road more calmly. Railway workers are not allowed to go to the tracks without the eye-catcher. There is even severely separated: green is the security service. Red are the ones who are walking. Equally struggling runners look out, scurrying through the woods and meadows dressed in signal colors in the darkness that is now breaking in, in order to catch the attention of road users on the way there. And – little look back at the summer holidays – woe, you get caught on the road in Italy without the airy clothes. For every human, a neon top must be on board. In short, once the warning vest had a little the nastiness of the proletariat, today it is part of everyday life, almost like the house key and wallet.

 

Not everyone will find the safety vest cool

But what did you hear recently at the presentation of the new school plan? If the first graders were initially proud of the vest, which was equipped to start school, “specialists” would leave them home after just a few days. This was reported by the managing director Karl. After all, a real guy did not want to “come out” as a freshman. “I can only confirm that,” says Mayor, father of three school-age boys.

 

So ends the project of the ADAC Foundation, which wanted to set the security action “Accents with foresight”. Father jogs through the village with his vest, his mother rides to work, the offspring make you cool. Since all the dunning helps nothing. But wait, what is it doing around the corner? A chrome-gleaming motorcycle with a rich sound, the handlebars as high as if the stars were to be taken from the sky and with wheels like rubber rollers. The biker wears over the black leather air: a safety vest with reflective tapes. And if that is not a real guy!

The police wants to reduce the rate of motorcycle accidents

No sooner did the policemen position themselves in their distinctive yellow safety vests with reflective tapes, they are already taking action: one motorcycle after another, they wave to the side of the road to take a close look at it. It does not take much time before the officials discover the first modification to one of the two-wheelers. The so-called DB killer is missing – which makes the machine significantly louder than allowed. A violation that costs the driver equal to 180 Euros. “Stupid that the police know now synonymous,” says the only dry.

 

Because it is not an ordinary control, which has carried out the policy. For the first time, the so-called motorcycle control group is in action, which the police headquarters Upper Franconia called only at the end of July to life. “The benefit is that most civil servants are motorcyclists themselves and screw their own machines in their free time, so it’s much easier for them to spot illegal modifications,” says police officer Marco, who is in control.

 

In particular, technical changes to the machines would put the control officials before special requirements and require expert knowledge. But not only privately, the officials have to educate themselves: Also by the police are offered various courses. For example, experienced police officers can pass on their motorcycle expertise to colleagues. “It’s not about passing on or banging on motorcyclists – it’s for their own safety,” emphasizes Kissinger.

 

The first inspection will follow throughout Upper Franconia in late summer and autumn, many more. “At the moment we are ten motorcycle control groups in Upper Franconia, but when it comes to control, the goal is always to have been at least four local officials,” explains Kissinger.

 

Motorcyclists are the main risk group

One of the reasons why the ten groups are now on the road is 574 traffic accidents in Upper Franconia in which motorcycles were involved last year. In view of a total of 33 049 accidents, a figure that seems comparatively low at first glance. She is still worried about the police. After all, 500 were injured, eight even killed. Accordingly, motorcyclists are attributable to the main risk group for serious traffic accidents, said the Upper police headquarters in his latest traffic accident statistics. In half of the cases, the cause of the accident is caused by the motorcyclists themselves.

 

The control groups should help to reduce the rate again in the future. An idea that also meets the ears of the police inspection. “I think it’s very good that there are now,” says Wolfgang Schramm, the local deputy head of traffic. “It’s a minority that manipulates their machines, but then you want to find and pull out the motorcyclists who overshoot the target.”

 

What role the weather plays

Why in the Cranach district alone in the first half of this year with 15 accidents in which motorcycles were involved, there were almost as many as in the entire year of 2017 (21), knows Anne of the Press Office of the police headquarters Upper Franconia: because of the weather! “The numbers always come in, when a season starts much earlier due to the nice weather,” she explains. So it is important to wear safety clothing with reflective materials which the safety for motorcycle driver can be increased.

 

And because the temperatures in March were mild enough to attract the first motorcycle lovers to their machines, this is now also reflected in the statistics. “Experience has shown that it’s always a bit of a hassle until the drivers have prepared for motorcycles to travel again.”

School starts – what should be considered?

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

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

Children are not “little adults”

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

Walk to school

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

By car to school

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

Leave the car in the garage

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

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

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

By bike to school

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

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

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

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

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

Everything for a safe shooting festival

The shooters on the weekend, 10 to 13 August, want a nice shooting festival – and above all, the safety of festival. For this, they have done everything again and put a safety concept on their feet.

Already 14 days ago, all participants sat together: volunteer fire department, police, German Red Cross, public order of the community and the shooters. Since then nothing stands in the way of the festival weekend.

“We have to register the parades “, explains Michael, organizer of the shooting festival. The approval was given the circle – with the same specifications as last year. “That calmed us down,” says Pache. Nothing was changed in the process.

During the parades – picking up the royal couple with a march on Saturday and a big parade on Sunday – the main focus is according to Pache on the main street. “This is blocked off with beacons provided by the community,” says Pache.

Folder for removals wanted

As in the past year, red-white cordon tape, signs and folders in safety vests are enough in the Tempo 30 zones that the shooters carry out in their moves. “So far, a lot of folders have reported,” says Pache. He could still use three to four helpers. If you are interested, you can contact Michael Pache at Tel. 01 76/64 39 17 31. He suspects that, as in the past few years, there will still be briefs. “We always get it.”

“We are on the safe side”

“On Saturday and Sunday, we are on the safe side during the parades.” Michael Pache is very satisfied with the support of the participants. Especially the local fire department emphasizes the organizer. For the children’s parade in the family afternoon on Monday, the effort is less. “The parade does not take place on the street,” explains Pache. The children are working on the church behind the royal couple.

The security concept of the shooters, however, does not only include the parades. Also, the bird shooting on Saturday and the [Q] -stall party on Friday evening must be safe. “The bird shooting range has been completely renovated,” says Pache. There are certain rules that must be complied with. “It’s all in line with the rules. We have no security concerns, “emphasizes the organizer.

[Q] stall is a big event

The [Q] -Stall-Party is meanwhile a major event for the shooters with more than 1100 party guests. As in the previous year, the members have again taken care of a professional security service. The shooters have decided for the company Galicia Security from Unna. “They did a good job last year – with a lot of tact,” says Pache. “We trust in it again this year.” The police also drive more patrol.

A look at the past shooting festivals shows that the holidays went quiet overall. Several years ago, some guests thought they could steal signs that stood on the road. Since then, the shooters have illuminated the parking lot. Should there be problems on the shooter’s field or in the tent, the shooters would use their house right, explains Pache.

So far, the “village character” has always come through at the shooting festival. “People want to celebrate together peacefully,” says Pache. And so it is again this year: “We all want to have a nice party.”

Left, right and left again

Six preschool children of the Cake Community kindergarten SBI have been taking the pedestrian license these days. Traffic educator Gabi Meister came with her traffic guard. Leon, Jacob, Amelia, Sam, Luca and Johanna joined with zeal in the important topic of traffic education. Preschoolers are already brought along many personal experience on the subject of traffic safety. Gabi Meister first set up a crosswalk dummy and practiced safely crossing the road in this way in the multipurpose room. The next step was to “unveil” a traffic light and compare the difference between driver and pedestrian traffic light. Numerous situations of road traffic from the perspective of the children were discussed in detail. So everyone agreed that the ball game should take place better in the garden and not or on the street. Like a mantra, the road crossing at the zebra crossing was practiced: “Look to the left, look to the right and then to the left again, eyes open – that brings it”. Important: The outstretched arm, clearly visible to the driver, as a begging barrier. The children had quickly internalized this. Thus one could finally go outside.

Dressed in safety vests, the preschool children, accompanied by Gabi Meister and an educator, marched in the direction of school. The drivers stopped in exemplary fashion and friendly at the zebra crossing and let the children cross the street. “Unfortunately, this is not always the case,” said Gabi Meister. She and her two colleagues, Ina Maier and Eva Braun, experience it again and again that cars do not stop to let the practicing children cross the street. Recently, a child was being outraged because the hurrying postman was too slow.

The boys and girls always wear safety vests with reflective tapes are easy to recognize, especially as they usually form a group. Children dealing with traffic safety are often hesitant and anxious and want to do everything right on the day of training. That can take a few seconds. In there, the traffic was low and so kept the children calm and mastered their task effortlessly.

Another problem sees Gabi master parking in the five meter security area before and after the zebra crossing. This should be kept free. Because children are not naturally as recognizable as adults. On the way between kindergarten and crosswalk many street signs which made of reflective materials were discussed. The sidewalk was consistently cut, even if a parking lot had to be bypassed. The children knew exactly that the emergency vehicles of the police, the fire department, ambulances, the THW and ambulance cars are allowed to pass everywhere. They have to be careful when they hear the siren. An electrically powered car rushed quietly past the children’s group and was an instructive example of not relying on hearing alone.

After returning to kindergarten, the six new “traffic experts” received their pedestrian license. As youngest road users, they will soon be able to apply their new knowledge on their way to school. Gabi Meister was very satisfied. “You only exist once,” she told the children to use what they had learned. That shone on the future first graders.

Racers pay for safety vests

The safety vests are distributed free of charge. Subsidized traffic safety training courses are also offered. “Super action,” says Fritz Meyer. The fit-skinned pensioner cycled on Friday to the weekly market by bicycle. Back we went with potatoes, apples and a brand new safety vest. At the beginning of the cycling season, representatives of the district, the police, and the Ampersand traffic police had distributed yellow safety vests to the visitors.

 

“That really brings a lot to safety,” says Elson, head of the police station. “Cyclists, but also scooter or moped riders can be seen much better,” said Elson. Even in bright sunshine, the reflective stripes would increase visibility. Rudolf from the Ampersand adds: “Good visibility is often vital for the so-called weaker road users.”

 

3000 vests will now be handed over free of charge at various prevention events or markets in the coming weeks. The necessary 6000 Euros come half of the National Traffic Watch and the district. He specifically uses revenue from traffic monitoring for such purposes. Not only are the safety vests financed by flashed Riser, but also other measures.

 

“For example, we regularly offer driver safety training on the air base. The participation fees are largely financed by the district’s traffic monitoring revenues, “explains prevention expert Hermann Nee of the police. Also at the spring meeting of motorcyclists on the weekend, he will again be present with colleagues at a preventive stand. Further distribution activities from the west are also planned in all other municipalities.

Round Table 47 donates safety vests

The Service Club Round Table 47 has equipped four urban day care centers with safety vests for the children. Not only children, parents and educators were happy about the reflective vest, with which the Katanga groups can be seen, better during excursions and traffic exercises.

 

Round Table is an international association of young men with around 3500 members in Germany. “RT is born of the spirit of the English club life, the membership ends automatically with the completion of the 40th year of life, and thus a permanent influx of new ideas is secured. Round Table 47 was founded in 1969 in Monchengladbach to cultivate contacts, professional Exchange experiences and start repeatedly non-profit projects.

 

Traffic safety consultant Erwin Henchman from the police is also enthusiastic: “Even the youngest children often wear dark clothes today – that looks chic, but makes them almost invisible in twilight and darkness.”

Police officers will have new reflective tactical vests

The police officers themselves designed the reflective vests. The police officers from the Koln command will receive new reflective tactical vests. The purchase of a new pattern of tactical vests was dictated by the unification of the color of uniforms. Previously, other police officers themselves designed how a hi vis vest should look like and how the pockets will be placed on it.

 

The reference to the experience of officers as users of this type of uniforms resulted in the creation of a design that meets the expectations of a police officer performing both patrol and road services, is also in line with the ordinance regarding uniforms of police officers.

 

The purchase of handed tactical safety vests and other equipment for the needs of the service was possible thanks to financial resources transferred from the Sacristy, the city of Koln and the following communes.

Crashed pedestrians are less this year

Today is exactly the year when she began to wear the reflection vest. So many pedestrians perished in the Czech Republic last year. It is about twenty more victims than in 2015. Whether the decline in tragic accidents is linked to the reduced visibility requirement to wear reflective elements is uncertain, but the Transport Ministry believes that the reflection saved lives.

 

Employees of a sheltered workshop light up the graphic on the high-pressure press on safety vests. Hand sewing yellow Velcro reflexes. “Every accident is specific and we can hardly generalize that victims would live if they had reflective elements but would certainly have a better chance of surviving,” says Bezique chief Martin.

 

Further, suggesting that the yearly duty may have a positive impact on the number of fatalities, is where the deaths have dropped. The decrease of tragic pedestrian accidents is outside the village, where the year is obligatory to wear reflective clothing in the dark or bad weather. “While in the villages the number of their victims was the same as in 2015,” says the Farrar.

 

In addition, this year’s figures suggest that the situation is improving. Five pedestrians died during the accident in January, which is four less than in 2015 and 2016.