Explained what drivers forget to do when a car breaks down on the road

Drivers stopped on the road by an unexpected breakdown or accident often underestimate all the circumstances and do not take care of their safety, confident driving professionals. Convinced that they are perfectly visible, they often carelessly enter the driveway even at dusk, and such behavior results in serious injuries or even death. There is no shortage of cases where drivers who carelessly get out of their car are killed under the wheels of cars passing by. Many accidents happen during the dark hours of the day because although it is mandatory to have a reflective vest in the car and wear it when getting out of the vehicle, the frequent driver does not have it at all or it is so far away that it is not possible to reach it quickly.

"It's a problem in my head because people don't appreciate such situations properly. That's how I saw an accident while driving home in Vilnius today: a small car collided with a minibus. The driver of the minibus stopped at the far left of the road and ran to the right lane to ask if everything was fine for the other driver. And all this was done on a street where the traffic flow is moving at 80 km / h. and faster," said Olga Židovlenkova, an instructor at the Amplius LT Driving School. According to her, first of all, drivers need to understand that in the event of a car breakdown, something needs to stop as right as possible. Even, according to the instructor, when opening the car door when stopping on the street, it is necessary to check that there are no passing and obstructing cars.

Finally, you should only get out of the car when it is safe to do so. The reflective vest must always be within easy reach of the driver. "And be sure to wear a vest. This must always be in the car at hand. In the worst case, the driver should at least put on a few reflectors before going to the street," the interviewee is convinced. The instructor also reminded that in the event of a forced stop, the Road Traffic Regulations (KET) state that it is mandatory to turn on the hazard warning lights. "The car must flash, and if it is not possible to turn on the emergency lights, then it is possible to put on a rear flashlight that illuminates the phone so that passers-by can orient themselves," the interviewee advised. Forgotten emergency stop signs In case the instructor spoke, if there is no emergency light signal, it is defective, or if the stop is where other road users would see the stopped car less than 100 meters before it, it is mandatory to park in front of the direction of travel on that side of the carriageway emergency stop sign. It is specified that in settlements such a sign should be placed no closer than 25 meters from the stopped vehicle, and outside settlements - no closer than 50 meters. If the car breaks down - take care to make everything visible and wait for help to stand further away, on the side of the road, where it is safe.

"However, very often people forget this rule and do not put a triangle sign in general. Although I would say that sometimes such signs would be useful: one farther, the other closer, because often passing cars overturn or cross the sign and it is no longer visible. It has been seen that truck drivers often use two signs each," the specialist commented. Not for safety, but for technical inspection Finally, assured O. Židovlenkova, not a single accident happens because the drivers and passengers of the damaged car stand in the driveway after getting out of the vehicle for some reason. "Without reflective vests, especially in weather like now, early in the morning or in the evening, they are simply invisible. If the car breaks down, you have to make sure that it is visible and wait for help when standing further away, on the side of the road, where it is safe," the specialist emphasized.

The driving instructor also had blamed for undisciplined drivers who do not think that the list of mandatory items in the car KET is not just for himself. "It seems to everyone that, for example, you need to have the same vests for a roadworthiness test, not for your safety. It has been seen more than once when drivers borrow everything they should have before a roadworthiness test. Most likely, if you stopped ten cars on the street now, maybe only three would have everything mandatory," predicted the traffic safety specialist.

Traffic Police remind: seasonal requirements of the Traffic Rules

The Lithuanian Road Police Service reminds us that the seasonal requirements of the Road Traffic Rules come into force in April.

Tires. From April 10, it is forbidden to operate vehicles with studded tires. Summer tires are recommended during the warm season.

Driving speed. In April-October, cars and lorries with a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 3.5 t, motorcycles and tricycles on motorways are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 130 km / h outside the settlements. speed, on motorways not exceeding 120 km / h. speed.

Some other important requirements of the Road Traffic Rules:

A vehicle participating in public traffic must comply with the established technical requirements, which are applied in the Republic of Lithuania during the mandatory technical inspection.

Persons entitled to drive are permitted to drive under the influence of psychoactive substances.

The driver (motor vehicles, tractors, self-propelled machines) is not allowed to use mobile devices without a hands-free device. Also, any non-driving actions should be avoided.

The driver and passengers must fasten their seat belts when driving a vehicle with seat belts. Children under 135 cm in height are transported by car or truck with child restraint systems adapted to their height and weight (special seats are used).

When riding a moped, motorcycle, tricycle, quad bike of all types (light, powerful, heavy), the driver and passengers must wear motorcycle protection (helmets, eye protection), unless the vehicles have a body (cab) or built-in roof arches designed to protect the driver, occupant from impact and safety belts. These vehicles must be driven with both hands (except when a signal is displayed by hand).

The driver must drive within the permitted speed. The choice of driving speed must take into account the driving and meteorological conditions, in particular the terrain, the condition of the road and the vehicle, the load, as well as the traffic volume.

Depending on the travel speed, the distance must be such that the vehicle in front does not collide if it is braked, and that there is a clear distance from the side to ensure safe traffic.

It is forbidden to install obstructions and objects in the vehicle to measure speed.

The required technical condition, registration and compulsory insurance of motor vehicles and trailers used in public traffic are ensured by the driver of the vehicle.

A motor vehicle (except moped, motorcycle without trailer), tractor and self-propelled machinery participating in public traffic must have:

Emergency stop sign for both fire extinguishers and first-aid kits as required by the technical requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers.

Every motor vehicle, tractor or self-propelled machine involved in traffic must have a brightly colored vest with reflective tapes.

Lithuanian Road Police Service: when participating in public traffic, we must all act responsibly, know not only our rights but also our responsibilities.

Road workers began marking dangerous road sections

Newly, reflective tapes will also receive roads II. and III. classes in Opavsko and Bruntál. Belts are placed by road workers on trees or crash barriers.

Road workers have already placed reflective tapes, for example, in the section between Pusta Rudna and Karlovice.

Increase safety and thus reduce traffic accidents. These are the main reasons why road workers in the Moravian-Silesian Region started marking dangerous sections of roads of the second and third class. Reflective straps should, among other things, make it easier for drivers to navigate in bad weather or at night.

Some of these places are also found in the Opava and Bruntál regions.

One of the sections where road workers began with reflective marking is the road between Hradec nad Moravicí and Melčí. Petra Lainková from Melč-Dubí runs on this route often and even the section seems dangerous to her. "The route between Hradec nad Moravicí and Melčí runs daily and there is often a game problem at night, with roe deer on the way. In winter, there is a problem in some places to avoid the bus because the road is narrow. Around Melč-Dubí is a big problem with non-compliance with the commanded speed. There are seventy, but drivers are constantly crossing it. The section is especially dangerous for children, "said Petra Lainková.

Petr Kudela, the head of Opava's road builders, also confirmed that frequent collisions occur between Hradec nad Moravicí and Melčí. "We have chosen dangerous turns based on many years of experience. The section between Hradec and Melčí on the third class road number 44334 is dangerous because there are many traffic accidents. Meanwhile, we place reflective tapes in crash barriers, "explained Petr Kudela.

Gradually, reflective tapes should also appear on trees. "There are a large number of trees in the Opava region that line the roads. But it is hard to choose which is more dangerous, and therefore we will gradually put reflectors on them. The tree is visible from a distance, although the white belt may already be faded," Kudela added.

Labeling has also begun in the Bruntal district. Similarly, as in the Opava region, opaque or sharp turns or narrowed passages will be marked with reflective yellow color.

"So far the tapes have been installed on the second class road number 452 from Karlovice to Andělská Hora, where there is a directional road with a lot of curves and serpentines. We also register relatively heavy traffic. A meeting took place in recent days when we met with representatives of the police and transport and road management departments of the municipal authorities in Bruntál, Rýmařov, and Krnov," said the head of the technical-administrative section of Bruntál road workers Jaromír Šimek.

The installation of reflective strips is already quite common on first-class roads and also on highways. "We have decided that we also want to contribute to reducing accidents and injuries on lower-class roads, where roads are often narrow and with many obscure corners and abundant trees," added Milan Novák, Technical and Deputy Road Administration Deputy Director of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

The Region owns a road network of second and third classes of 2733 kilometers.

Fines and warnings. Police check the wearing of reflective elements

Dozens of police officers in the Hradec Králové region are heading to the roads these days before dawn. They warn and, as a last resort, penalize pedestrians and drivers who do not comply with the essential rule for road traffic. That is, it must be sufficiently visible.

In the Hradec Králové region, police control all autumn. They focus on pedestrians and cyclists to have reflective vest elements. These can save lives, with reflective elements people can be seen at 200 meters. According to BESIP, this is the distance to which the driver can safely react.

You only see 55 meters in white clothing, 37 in yellow, and 18 in blue. You are almost invisible in black.

It was the dark clothes that the pedestrians had paid for on Sunday evening behind Jaromer when her driver was knocked down. The woman suffered very serious injuries.

Fines and warnings. Police check the wearing of reflective elements

Dozens of police officers in the Hradec Králové region are heading to the roads these days before dawn. They warn and, as a last resort, penalize pedestrians and drivers who do not comply with the essential rule for road traffic. That is, it must be sufficiently visible.

In the Hradec Králové region, police control all autumn. They focus on pedestrians and cyclists to have reflective vest elements. These can save lives, with reflective elements people can be seen at 200 meters. According to BESIP, this is the distance to which the driver can safely react.

You only see 55 meters in white clothing, 37 in yellow, and 18 in blue. You are almost invisible in black.

It was the dark clothes that the pedestrians had paid for on Sunday evening behind Jaromer when her driver was knocked down. The woman suffered very serious injuries.

Action "Safer in Traffic" Held in Sracinac

Organized by the Municipality of Sračinec and with the cooperation of the Varazdin Police Station, on Thursday evening in Sračinac an action "Safer in Traffic" was held to encourage local municipalities to use legally prescribed safety equipment when traveling on roads.

"We carry out this action primarily for the safety of road users, pedestrians, and cyclists. Our municipality is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Croatia, with more than 400 inhabitants per square kilometer, and one of the busiest state roads passes through Sračinec. That is why we want to prevent accidents, which sometimes end tragically, by educating our fellow citizens. Last year we had a fatal accident at a marked and illuminated pedestrian crossing, but due to reduced visibility, the driver did not stop in time. That’s why today, we share these reflective vests and straps and encourage pedestrians and cyclists to wear them, for our safety. Thank you to the Varazdin Police Directorate for initiating this action through the Prevention Committee." said the mayor of Sračinec municipality Bozidar Novoselic.

A significant contribution to this action was made by the employees of PP Varaždin, who stopped cyclists and explained the importance of being visible in the evening and conditions of reduced visibility.

About 60 vests and 60 reflective tapes, which were purchased by the Municipality of Sračinec, were distributed. In addition to the Mayor of Novoselic and the staff of the Varaždin Police Station, Deputy Mayor Krunoslav Lukačić and the newly elected Mayor of the Municipal Council Domagoj Bacani participated in the action.

Life Jacket Program Optimizes Water Safety

As Valley temperatures begin to rise, so does the number of visitors to the Stanislaus River. And while the setting is beautiful it can also be dangerous.

"My really firm statement is cold, swift, water needs to be respected," Knights Ferry Recreation Park Manager with the Army Corps of Engineers, Heather Wright shared.

Maintaining river safety, as well as educating visitors about the water is something Wright and her team take seriously. As someone who enjoyed the river herself in her youth, Wright feels it's important for people to understand this is not the same river of 30 years ago.

"This is a boating river, it's not a swimming river," she said. "It's not like it used to be before the dam was built. This is a dynamic changing organism. This is not a lake."

There have already been rescues on the river this season; a kayaker also reported seeing a person in the river near Knights Ferry on Monday morning. A search with boats, drones and a helicopter did not result in rescuers finding anyone; crews returned to the area on Tuesday morning with three boats to search from Knights Ferry to Orange Blossom but no additional information was available by press time.

As a boating river, Wright reminds everyone that it is a law for children 12 years and younger to have a life jacket on at all times. While this may be viewed as a law only necessary when on the water, the Park Manager shared it’s equally important when alongside the river.

"For people who don’t swim it's unthinkable to be near the water without a life jacket," she said. "You don't know when you're going to see something that scares you, is a concern to you or another person in your party or family and you react without thinking and then you’re a victim also."

Fortunately for those unprepared, the park has a Life Jacket Loaner Program in place to help curtail/eliminate accidents and risks of the unprepared being unsafe. Life Jacket Loaner Stations are located at Knights Ferry, Orange Blossom and McHenry Avenue Recreation Areas.

"Anybody can take them and use them," Wright said of the vests. "It is our will and desire that they return them."

If used for water floating, safety vests may be returned at any of the noted stations; the park team sees that the stations are properly equipped to accommodate visitors. Wright also cautions that pool toys, inner tubes and the like are not proper river vessels. Visitors should only use Coast Guard-approved life jackets and vessels such as kayaks and rafts.

With a wet winter and a lot of snowpacks still to come, the river veteran noted that while 300 cubic feet per second is ideal, the 2019 flow will be well above this on any given day. Water enthusiasts should check the flow before arriving to properly prepare, as well as evaluate if they're properly equipped. Area rafting companies play a great part in keeping rafters safe, as well as educated throughout the high water season.

"Wearing a life jacket is the only preventative thing offered currently," Wright said. "Recognize it’s a river, it’s dynamic and changing all the time. Currently, there is an extreme amount of water."

Just like the ocean, the river has dynamic changes which cannot be predicted on an hour to hour basis. Water safety is the only wise preventative visitors may utilize to prevent becoming another river statistic. Life vests worn along the shore are equally important.

"The thing I would want people to know is it's cold, swift water and it needs to be respected, please respect it and do everything you can," Wright said of the river. "If you're going to go in, you need to be able to self-rescue. And if you can’t you have no business being on the water. I care about this place and these people. It matters to me."