With a reflective tape, you have three times more chance at night

IDNES.cz editors tested whether a reflective element can save a pedestrian's life. It turned out to help surprisingly a lot. A walker with a belt can be seen at three times the distance than a walker in casual clothing. This gives the driver valuable seconds to react.

One would say an ordinary striped belt. When I held it at dusk in an alley near the village of Ořech near Prague, I almost doubted it would be of any use to me. But in the dark, only the headlights of the car brighten from afar, the tape suddenly lights up.

Together, the Ministry of Transport and the Traffic Police have proposed that all pedestrians who are moving in poor visibility on the side of the road without streetlamps be wearing the belt the following winter.

The relevant law has already been written and approved by the Ministry in the second half of the year.

Do you think that the introduction of mandatory pedestrian reflex accessories is a good idea?

Together with the cameraman, we made three measurements. We started by trying to find out how far the unlit pedestrian driver would see. Followed by an experiment with a two-piece reflective tape wrapped around the sleeve and the foot. For the third time, I put on a reflective vest used by road workers, for example.

The predecessor of the current head of traffic police Leos Trzil toyed in interviews with the idea that pedestrians should wear a vest. However, his idea went down because no one wanted to walk dressed as a worker on highway construction.

So in my first attempt, I went as an unlit helper along the verge and the cameraman in the car was supposed to stop when he saw me. Then I measured the distance between my position and my car using the application on my mobile and GPS. We have verified the distance by stepping.

It was just before eight o'clock in the evening, not quite dark yet. It turned out that I was seen 50 meters in front of the car, thanks to the fact that it was still dark and I had red pants. You can see them better than dark ones.

The second attempt took place with a reflective tape a few minutes later in the regular darkness. The measured distance was 147 meters. I thought the car was a safe distance from me.

Therefore, a pedestrian with a belt can be seen at three times the distance. At first, the driver sees only light flashing around. The reflective vest is then a guaranteed protective device visible at a distance of 289 meters.

Pedestrian visibility affects many things, of course, the speed of the car. The cameraman drove slowly against me, but a driver running in the '90s might see a small spot in the dark later. Also, it is approaching faster.

Even more useful is the usefulness of tape when time counts. At a speed of 60 kilometers per hour, you drive a kilometer per minute and thus 50 meters to an unlit pedestrian in three seconds. Little time to react. In the ninety, which is allowed outside the village, it is only two seconds.

The experiment showed one more thing. A reflective material element at the bottom of the feet is much more helpful than on a jacket or backpack. This is because the car lights shine approximately at the height of an adult's knees.

In 2013, according to police statistics, a total of 134 pedestrians died, including 80 at night. That's why the police are promoting reflective tapes. The tape is not an inexpensive matter (we bought it in a branded sports shop for 199 crowns), but the police sometimes distribute the tapes during preventive events.

"I remember that, in cooperation with the health insurance company of the Ministry of the Interior, we equipped several thousand tapes in the field and distributed them to people," said the Police Presidium spokesman Jozef Bocán. It is not excluded that similar action will be repeated.

The amendment to the Act proposes reflective elements also for hunters on common hunting

With a classic camisole equipped with reflective tapes, hunters will have to go hunting together for boar or game. This obligation is proposed by an amendment to the Hunting Act, which could come into effect next year.

"It would mean obliging to wear tape or any piece of light-reflective clothing that would allow for greater visibility than hunting clothing," said Martin Zizka, Director of the Department of Forestry, Hunting, and Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Although looking at the nimrody with shining tapes or reflective jackets may seem strange to some, hunters themselves recognize that this duty is justified.

"I have heard that this is contrary to our traditions. After all, we have green and brown. But hunting is also developing," said Jan Buksa, Executive of the District Hunting Association in Kromeriz.

Reflective elements can well help protect the hunters themselves.

"There are also fewer experienced shooters," Buksa said.

It's a common thing somewhere

Reflective elements are already used by hunters in the Vsetín region during hunting.

"We wear at least a hatband, but special vests are no exception. It is in everyone's interest to be seen," said Michal, the chairman of the Vsetín district hunting association, who sees no problem in the measure.

"The beast of color doesn't make any difference, so even reflective jackets won't tell us," he added.

The amendment to the Hunting Act also addresses other important points, such as the overgrowth of wildlife, which causes damage to farmers every year.

Hunters should now establish a hunting plan, which will then be approved by officials and whose compliance will have to be demonstrated. For example, sending wild boar tails to veterinarians. If the plan was not fulfilled, the hunters would face a fine.

"I don't see a problem with that. But we still find it difficult to fish in large fields of rapeseed or corn. These are almost everywhere today. And the game is growing there, also because unruly people are driving them out of the forest," Buksa remarked.

Moreover, hunters must pay damages caused by the game to farmers. This could also be partially solved by the amendment - the Ministry of Agriculture proposes that farmers should not be able to claim damage caused in more than 30 hectares of fields planted with a single crop.

Pedestrians have a duty that they often don't even know about

Cyclists, but also pedestrians, must be visible on the road, so by law, they have to have reflective elements on them. Not only in the dark but also the gloom, fog, snowfall or heavy rain. In autumn and winter weather almost always. See under what conditions it is necessary to use reflective material elements, where to place them, what to watch out for and what to do if you do not get them.

Moving in the autumn and winter gloom near roads without reflective elements can be deadly. Sad statistics show that: Last year, 101 pedestrians died in road accidents, 53 of them in the dark. A year before, 111 pedestrians died, 66 of them at night.

What does the law say?

The Road Traffic Act stipulates that pedestrians moving outside the village in poor visibility along the side of the road or on the edge of the road in a place not illuminated by public lighting are required to wear elements of retro-reflective material placed to be visible to other road users. roads. "The obligation to be marked thus applies not only in the dark, but also, for example, at dawn, dusk, fog, snowfall or heavy rain," explains Vlasta Suchánková, a police spokesman in the Liberec Region.

The use of reflective equipment is worthwhile in the village. There, while the law does not impose reflective elements on pedestrians, the number of tragic accidents shows that the risk is the same, if not greater. Last year, 26 pedestrians died outside the village, 27 of them lost their lives in the village. Last year, 28 victims died outside the village and 38 in the village!

How to make yourself visible

The rules of the road do not determine what the reflective accessory should look like and where it should be located. "In any case, it should have a sufficient area at least equal to the dimensions of the reflective tape. It is best placed above the wrist and possibly over the ankle on the side facing the center of the road. In poor visibility, drivers most perceive pedestrians with reflective accessories located on moving parts of the body. They respond to moving luminous spots approximately three times earlier than to the reflective surfaces statically placed on the fuselage," explains traffic expert Roman Budský.

Of course, it is also possible to reach quality reflective pendants. They should be located on the side to the center of the road and at the same time be visible to the driver coming not only to the forehead but also to the back and side of the pedestrian.

And the color of reflective accessories? Preferably bright yellow-green. For that is the human eye most sensitive.

"Reflexes must be purchased with high quality, complying with the relevant regulations, such as CE marked. Otherwise, the pedestrian will only buy a dangerous fashion accessory," Budský warns.

Cyclists and road safety: here are all the life-saving tips

The sun comes and you go back by bike. Here's how to avoid accidents and increase safety in the saddle while following a few simple steps.

With the spring the desire to get back on the bike returns. Here is the importance of remembering some safety rules. The Swiss Touring Club (TCS) gives an overview of the situation and points out that bad cycling habits are expensive. Every year in Switzerland, more than 3,000 bike accidents occur with deaths and injuries. And yet, little attention would be enough to change things. Alarming, for example, the fact that only 50% of cyclists use a helmet. Bicycle safety depends on many factors; type of vehicle, protective clothing, and visibility make the difference. Even cars can do something. The safety of cyclists is an increasingly important aspect in the development of new cars. Systems like Adaptive Speed ​​Control (ACC) and Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) recognize bikes and avoid accidents.

The sun comes and you go back to cycling but not all cyclists circulate safely. Here then is the Swiss Touring Club (TCS) proposing useful tips for traveling safely. Not all cyclists pay attention to their safety. Every year, in Switzerland, there are over 3,000 bike accidents with many deaths and injuries. An important assumption is that the bike meets the technical requirements and is kept in excellent condition. Although they are not subject to mandatory periodic inspection, it is a good idea to check the general condition yourself. Pieces such as rims, tires, brakes, and lighting should be examined periodically. As for the lights, the law is clear. Obligation to fit a white front and rear red lighting system, reflectors on the rims and both sides of the pedals. The statistics speak for themselves. At dusk and night, the risk of accidents for cyclists is three times higher than during the day. Even at night with rain, snow or against the light, the risk multiplies by ten. Here then is that lighting is fundamental among the safety rules on bicycles.

GOOD PRACTICE

As for visibility, we said that the front and rear lights are mandatory. Additional lights can also be used, but they must not dazzle other road users. Arrows are also allowed. As the TCS points out, the arrows, on the one hand, are detected first by other road users, on the other hand, they make the speed and distance to the cyclist worse. The TCS recommends always wearing a helmet on both conventional and e-bikes. In choosing the most expensive helmets are not necessarily better than the cheap ones. Important that they fit well to the head and are comfortable. The straps in front and behind the ears and under the chin must always be well stretched. Old or damaged helmets should be replaced, even when the damage is not visible. Helmets with integrated lighting are allowed and ensure greater visibility but cannot replace the lighting of the bike. The Hövding 2.0 is also commercially available, a real bicycle airbag. Similar to a collar in the event of a fall, it also protects the neck and the nape, in addition to the head. However, Hövding is not suitable for mopeds and electric bikes over 25km/h.

VISIBILITY

Clothing is also an important element, cyclists dressed in dark are recognizable at a distance of 25 meters. On the contrary those with light clothes or fluorescent colors at 40 m. The wearer of reflective materials is visible from 140 meters away. The protection of cyclists is also an important aspect in the development of new cars. Systems like Adaptive Speed ​​Control (ACC) and Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) also recognize bikes. Vehicle front radars scan the road in front of the car and avoid accidents.

CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS

As the technology is sometimes not enough here are some concluding recommendations of the TCS. Cyclists must always use cycle paths and cycle lanes if available. At sunset, at night and in the tunnel, the bike must light a front white light and a red rear light. Additional lighting is permitted if other road users are not dazzled. Always wear a helmet even on e-bikes. It is important to remember that reflective clothing or reflective vest is already visible at a distance of 140 meters.

No water accident, no safety zone!

Recently, as Japan and Hong Kong have slowed down, more people are going to Southeast Asia.

Playing in Southeast Asia is a major part of the schedule.

Accidents also occur at low water depths and relatively safe accommodation pools.

Consul Woo, are you particularly interested in family trips with children and parents?

Yes, it is.

This year, two children were drowned in a hotel and condo pool in a Thai resort.

If children play around the pool without wearing life jackets, fall into the pool or flip the tubes, it can lead to life-saving accidents.

Children must wear life jackets with reflective tape.

It must also be worn outside the pool.

Above all, please be careful not to deviate from the adult's view and pay attention to the movement.

Older people and people with cardiovascular disease should be especially careful with low-temperature seawater.

Soak in water from afar, adapt your body temperature to water, and get it slowly.

Even if the water is shallow, never be cautious.

Secretary Lee Jung-won, unlike the swimming pool, there is an unpredictable danger.

What's the most important thing to note?

Yes, you should never swim and drink enough warm-ups and life jackets before entering.

Don't trust yourself to go out into the ocean, waves or water.

Avoid playing in bad weather or on windy days.

Do not chew gum or swim with food in your mouth.

The airway is blocked and there is a risk of choking.

A pleasant trip is good, but a safe trip comes first.

Be sure to remember the essential safety rules when traveling in Southeast Asia.

County preparing for region’s first snowstorm

With Chautauqua County expected to receive heavy snow and ice today and Tuesday, Chautauqua County officials are reminding residents to use caution.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has a Winter Storm Warning in effect through the morning. Mixed precipitation is expected with total snow accumulations of six to 10 inches in northern areas and three to six inches near the Pennsylvania state line. Ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch are also expected.

"Drivers should slow down and use caution when traveling on slick or snow-covered roads during the winter," said Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone. "It is always best to plan and account for extra travel time if you absolutely must drive during adverse weather conditions."

Drivers are reminded to:

Postpone or cancel non-essential trips if travel conditions are hazardous and obey travel bans;

Clean off all snow and ice from their vehicles by making sure snow and frost are removed from the windshield, windows and side mirrors; compacted snow is removed from the wheel wells, and snow is removed from the headlights and taillights so other drivers can see you.

Reduce their speeds when roads are slick or visibility is reduced, and turn on their headlights so other drivers can see you;

Keep parked vehicles off the roadways and shoulders of the road;

Update the emergency kit in their vehicles so it includes a shovel, snowbrush, windshield scraper, reflective vest, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cell phone charger or battery pack, water, snack food, matches, first aid kit with a pocket knife, necessary medications, blankets, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, florescent distress flag, and extra hats, socks and mittens;

Remember to bring a cell phone when traveling so it can be used in case of an emergency;

Call the Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agencies to notify them if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road;

Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Transportation will also be out plowing and salting county-owned roads.

"While county plow operators are attempting to make our roadways safe, I encourage drivers to please not add to the hazards of wintertime driving," said Brad Bentley, Department of Public Facilities Director. "Drivers should always use extra caution near snowplows by reducing their speed and keeping a safe distance."

Drivers are required to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow. If drivers must pass a snowplow, they should use caution as snowplows can create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision and the road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.

The Department of Public Facilities also encourages residents to clear snow from around their mailboxes and inspect and, if necessary, replace their mailbox posts to ensure they can withstand winter conditions. Mailboxes physically hit and damaged by snowplows will be repaired, but mailboxes that break from the force of the snow coming off the plow will not be fixed.

Also, when clearing your driveway, it is unlawful to push or brush snow into the roadway. This creates a dangerous situation for motorists.

"By giving our area plow drivers room to clear the roads, being respectful and patient when we are traveling behind a plow, and using caution during adverse travel conditions, we can all help create a safe winter driving season," said George Borrello, Chautauqua County executive. "I also urge residents to check in on neighbors, especially the elderly, who may be more at risk during heavy snow events and frigid temperatures."

Significant snowfall and the potential for blowing and drifting snow can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is referred to as the silent killer because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating. If snow blocks furnace or hot water tank vents, it can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors. At high levels, this gas can cause suffocation, loss of consciousness, brain damage or death.

"It is important that individuals protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and by ensuring furnace and hot water tank vents are not blocked by snow," said John Griffith, Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services Director.

Portable generators can also be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a portable generator inside a home, basement or any enclosed or semi-enclosed structure. It should be placed outside and away from windows and doors of any nearby building.

The Office of Emergency Services also reminds residents to keep their house numbers visible so first responders can quickly locate a home in the event of an emergency.

Relaunch of the campaign "Think" "Gitt siichtbar"

In early autumn, the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, Road Safety and Police are relaunching their joint awareness campaign "Think - Gitt siichtbar".

This campaign pursues a dual objective of road safety, namely:

to encourage vulnerable road users to make themselves visible, such as wearing light clothing and, more importantly, using reflective accessories;

call on drivers to redouble their attention and adapt their speed in the presence of vulnerable users.

Due to unfavorable visibility conditions: dusk, darkness, but also fog or rain, the risk for vulnerable users to be involved in a traffic accident increases considerably.

The appeal is: "Think" and "Look", appointments visible through appropriate clothing and reflective accessories.

The solutions are numerous:

Pedestrian

Wears light clothing or has integrated reflective tapes to be visible at 360 °.

Use bright or retro-reflective objects on your accessories, briefcases, bags, and umbrella.

Walk-in in front of traffic on country roads and wear mandatory safety vests.

Consider the speed and distance of approaching vehicles! Make sure to be seen.

Put a reflective collar on your dog.

Athletic

Wear reflective armbands and wear clothes with an integrated reflective material.

Wear a safety vest that is mandatory if you take the road out of town.

By bike and scooter

Turn on the lights.

Check the condition of your brakes and put reflectors on your bike or scooter.

Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing with integrated reflective material.

By car

Light fires when conditions demand.

Signals your maneuvers in a good time.

Adapt your speed. Make sure the windows of your vehicle are clean!

Take into account the potential errors of pedestrians in the traffic.

The campaign begins this Monday, October 28, 2019.

It will be broadcast in the press, by radio spots, in social networks, on large road signs, on the RGTR network buses, in trams, on digital street signs, by posters and by a leaflet distributed together. with reflective bracelets during different street marketing actions.

Fewer daylight hours increase dangers for pedestrians, cyclists

As the clocks go back an hour for daylight time on Sunday, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are being reminded to take extra care to be alert and visible.

Typically, the month of November has the highest number of pedestrian-involved collisions, likely due to less number of daylight hours, according to the Region of York and York Regional Police.

To increase road safety, motorists should:

Avoid distractions and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists

Drive according to conditions

Ensure windshield wiper fluid is full and wipers are functioning properly

Make sure headlights are on when daylight is fading and it is dark

To increase safety, pedestrians should:

Avoid wearing dark clothing at night

Wear bright or light-colored clothing or reflective strips and walk with a flashlight to be more visible to motorists

Cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections

Avoid distractions and make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street

To increase safety, cyclists should:

Have a white light at the front of their bicycle and a flashing red LED rear light

Wear light-colored clothing

Wear a safety vest or jacket with reflective material

Wear a strobe light on your arm

The Region and York police are holding a road safety event Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6 pm at the intersection of McCowan Road and Highway in Markham, to remind drivers, pedestrians and cyclists the importance of being alert and visible as standard time Returns on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Police will be conducting radar surveillance and joining York Region staff in reminding motorists about the importance of being alert and watching for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as speaking to pedestrians and cyclists of the importance of being visible as daylight fades and it becomes dark.