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."

24,000 sanitation workers in Hyderabad suffer sans safety gear

As many as 24,000 sanitation workers in Greater Hyderabad limits are living in fear of Covid infection as the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has not provided safety kits to them till date. Waking up to the spread of the deadly virus, though the civic body has decided to provide safety gear to all its sanitation workers by inviting tenders, the process would take at least one more month and till then the laborers will have to continue their daily works by wearing temporary masks.

It has to be mentioned here that to ensure the safety of sanitation workers, the civic body has to provide them kits containing at least 10 items like face masks, sanitizers, jackets, gloves, caps, towels, raincoats, coconut oil, soaps, and shoes.

According to information, the civic body has only been able to provide masks and jackets with reflective stickers as of now though the sanitation workers have been demanding GHMC to provide fully-equipped safety kits.

GHMC officials told Express that the proposal for procuring safety equipment has been okayed and they are in the process of inviting the tenders. However, it would take at least one more month to get the required number of safety kits, the officials added.

Speaking to Express, the GHMC union leaders said that there are over 24,000 sanitation workers in the city and that they are at the highest risk of getting infected.

They are indulged in all sorts of ground-level works like the collection of garbage from households for the safety of the denizens. However, the civic body has not taken proper measures to ensure their safety. If any worker gets infected by Covid, then the civic body will be directly responsible for it. Sanitation workers are some of the most vulnerable laborers as they are exposed to serious occupational, environmental and health hazards, the union leaders noted.

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, local authorities have to ensure that all laborers handling solid wastes are provided with safety gear such as face masks, hand gloves, fluorescent jacket with reflective tape, raincoats, footwear, and others.

Meanwhile, in a bid to curb the spread of Covid and also to contain it, the GHMC has started spraying Sodium hypochlorite, a disinfecting agent, in the houses of those persons who were tested positive.

Sodium hypochlorite is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective for the disinfection of viruses and bacteria. GHMC officials said that they will disinfect the houses of all people who were tested positive for Covid and also the suspected ones. We will also carry out the same process in their surroundings. In one liter of water we mix five to 7.5 ml of Sodium hypochlorite for spraying, officials added.

Officials remind trick-or-treaters to have fun, stay safe

With Halloween only a few days away, families across eastern North Carolina are preparing for a night of trick-or-treating.

Jacksonville Commons resident Frank Pope says his family does a lot for Halloween each year.

"We try and put on a show for the kids," he explains. "A theatrical thing for the neighborhood."

He says his garage is decorated will all sorts of haunted props, but safety is always a top priority.

"There's always a lot of traffic, and the kids are distracted," he says. "We tell them to wrap in reflective tape."

The Jacksonville Police Department has a list of recommendations for how to a safe and happy Halloween. The advise trick-or-treaters to do the following:

Wear light-colored clothing - short enough to prevent tripping,

Parents can add reflectors to costumes and clothing,

Ensure that young children can see well through facemasks,

Accompany young children on Halloween activities,

Bring a flashlight or add reflective tape to costumes,

Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know,

Watch carefully for traffic,

Only give or accept wrapped or packaged candy,

Examine "treats" before allowing children to enjoy them,

Golf carts are not allowed on city streets and sidewalks.

The department asks that Jacksonville residents only be out between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

As for Pope, he invites all trick-or-treaters to his home on Chastain Street to check out his Halloween display.

"We arrange the little kids," he says, "but can also scare the older ones."

SKIERS SHARE THEIR SPORT WITH THE BLIND

When a friend offered a day of skiing at a discounted rate, Woodstock resident Beth Zange jumped at the chance. Little did she know the outing would influence her life for years to come.

An avid skier, Zange was excited for the opportunity to get a deal for a day on the slopes. The only catch was that her friend was a guide with the American Blind Skiing Federation, and the day was an outing for the group.

Admittedly, her first impression was that this was a bizarre combination. But after a go-round on the ski lift, she quickly changed her mind.

"From the chair lift I saw a skier and a guide in action in beautiful unison," Zange said, "and I was hooked."

She joined the association and trained to be a guide.

According to its website, ABSF was founded in 1971 and is a nonprofit, tax-exempt (501)(c)3 national organization chartered in the state of Illinois. The purpose of the organization is to provide an educational skiing program that is open to any blind or visually impaired person in the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value.

In a world where "a picture is worth a thousand words," it’s easy to understand the barriers that confront the blind and visually impaired who can see no pictures.

Each year at the beginning of the ski season, the association offers a training clinic for new guides and recertification of existing guides. Candidates train with veteran guides in a classroom before moving out to the slopes to apply what they learned.

Each pairing begins with a brief question-and-answer session to discuss the skier’s experience and visual status. Then, outfitted with bright-orange vests with reflective tape identifying guides and skiers, the pairs head for the hills.

The guides adjust their positioning depending on how experienced skiers are and how much they can see, but safety always comes first. Verbal communication is the primary form of direction with guides calling out turns and positions.

Zange said guides also help skiers to navigate the ski lodge and the lunch stop for the day. She noted that getting skiers on the chairlift is one of the most challenging elements.

"We work one-on-one with the skiers," Zange said. "Sometimes they want to improve, and some just want to get down the hill."

She participated in a weekend outing at Alpine Valley in late February. Saturday was a regular day with association members, but Sunday was spent with kids from Lighthouse for the Blind.

"I was paired up with a 17-year-old girl who had some visual impairment and mild cerebral palsy on her left side," Zange said. "Working with this girl and another instructor was one of the absolute coolest things I've ever done."

"Watching her progress was amazing. By the end of the day, she wanted the bigger bunny hill."

In addition to the local ski outings, ABSF plans a week at a resort out West each year. Last week they enjoyed skiing in Lake Tahoe.

After her first season of guiding, Zange was recruited to be on the board of directors and serve as secretary. Over the years, she has also served as vice president and continues to be heavily involved in fundraising.

"This is an amazing community," said Zange. "I will always be involved."

She suggested that volunteers are welcome and anyone can help. This year’s fundraiser will be a luau pig roast to be held on June 27 in Des Plaines.

PORD launches educational programs for schools. You can win training and reflective sets

The Pomeranian Road Traffic Center in Gdańsk launches new educational programs addressed to schools. Students will have the opportunity to receive a set of reflective materials or will be invited to a training course at the Driving Techniques Improvement Center Autodrom Pomorze in Pszczółki. The goal of both programs is to promote road safety.

Educational programs with which the Pomeranian Road Traffic Center starts are addressed to primary and above-primary schools. It's a reflective school and a young driver.

"The projects promote road safety among primary and secondary school students," says Angelika Ślusarczyk, Senior Marketing Clerk at PORD in Gdańsk. "Younger action is to encourage people to wear reflective vests, older ones to ride safely. There are also different prizes for these two groups of participants."

"For the top 10 primary schools, the prize is a set consisting of 50 reflective vests, 100 reflective bands or tags, and educational charts. Students from 10 secondary schools will be invited to a free training course that will take place at ODTJ."

Reflective school - the program for primary schools

To become a participant, it is enough for the school to take part in the competition. The prize for the 10 best institutions is a set consisting of 50 reflective vests, 100 bands or reflective tags and educational charts.

"Show creatively why it is worth taking care of your safety on the road," adds Angelika. "Each school can send only one entry to the competition. The competition task must be prepared by the students of the school submitting under the supervision of their teachers."

Cows (not) safe on the road

It is getting darker in autumn. Some farmers still keep cattle on pastures, sometimes a few hundred meters away from the farm. Spending the herd on buildings can mean traveling on roads where the cattle are hardly visible. How to deal with such a problem?

Local authorities in northern China encourage breeders to attach reflective tapes to their animals to avoid road accidents involving them after dark.

Regional road services already in August started an information campaign combined with the distribution of free reflective tapes for farmers living in the vicinity of tourist routes and the largest cities in five prefectures.

The tapes were made of PVC and shiny crystals. The product is very durable, resistant to wear and low temperatures.

Cattle carrying tapes on their limbs are visible from a distance of about 200 meters. This distance allows drivers to react properly, according to local road services.

In the northern part of China, more and more roads are being created that intersect the vast pasture lands. Breeders keep not only cows on them but also horses and other animals. Herds invisible in the evenings pose a significant threat to the road.

Numbers don't bode well. Since 2015, over 1,500 road accidents involving livestock have been recorded in the region. Of these, 78% took place after dark.

In one extremely extreme case, 12 people were killed and 28 were injured when the driver of a vehicle carrying people tried to bypass a horse on the road.

According to local services, since the information campaign began and breeders use reflective tapes, the number of accidents on the road involving livestock has decreased by over 50% compared to last year. The police hope the decline will be steady and plan to expand to other regions in the future.

Polish breeders can take the example of an action carried out in China. Although animal accidents do not happen on such a scale with us, it is worth considering how to improve the visibility of the herd on the road, even if it is only a rural road.

Cargill Makes Safety a Priority, Offers Free Safety Vests to Farmers

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 100 injuries happen to agricultural workers each day resulting in lost work time, piles of paperwork and unfortunately, sometimes even death.

To help reduce the number of injuries occurring on the farm, Cargill is helping dairy farmers prevent accidents and save lives by giving away free safety vests through their new Be Safe. Be Seen. campaign. From March 1 through April 15 dairies can claim up to 3 safety vests, in various sizes including kids.

"Every year we hear about tragic accidents on dairies that might have been preventable if the person had been more visible. Unfortunately, we heard about one of those accidents at the very start of 2020," says Julie Abrahamson, Cargill North America Commercial Director, Dairy. "At Cargill, getting everyone home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day is our number one priority. We want to help instill that same commitment to safety across our industry by encouraging people to be safe by being seen."

In 2017, 416 farmers and farm workers died from a work-related injury. Those farms and families will never be the same. As dairies across the country begin to prepare for the busy spring season, being highly visible will be critical to safety.

"The National Dairy FARM Program is proud to support Cargill's Be Safe. Be Seen. initiative. FARM's safety focus through the Workforce Development program area aims to provide tangible and meaningful value to dairy farm safety and this partnership is the first of many critical steps to do just that." says Emily Yeiser Stepp, Senior Director, The National Dairy FARM Program.

Pedestrian safety campaign launches in Kamloops following multiple incidents

After multiple incidents in the last couple of months involving pedestrians hit by vehicles, shelves, Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) and affiliated agencies are teaming up for an awareness campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to get people to be more careful, plan better and take preventative measures, says Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie.

"At this time, we did have a concerted effort with the City of Kamloops and KFR to come together because of recent accidents involving both pedestrians and vehicles," she says. "This is the time of year when it's getting the darkest of the earliest; we've found most pedestrian and vehicle accidents happen between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m."

Asst. Fire Chief Robb Scholar says "too many" pedestrians are being hit.

"I mean that seriously. One pedestrian struck is one too many," he says.

Recent incidents include one fatality (TRU staff member Lucy Phua), one hit-and-run with a teen and another incident that sent an 18-year-old woman to the hospital.

Shelkie says responsibility for pedestrian safety lies with both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers need to be aware, at all times, a pedestrian may appear, and be extra cautious around intersections. Pedestrians, meanwhile, need to cross at crosswalks and take preventative measures.

"Maybe they haven't dressed taking into account it's going to be dark when they're walking home," she says. "(They should ask themselves), 'At the end of the day, when I'm going home, do I have the clothes that are going to be the best suited for me to walk home in the dark?'"

Put a little thought earlier in your day (like packing reflective vests), and it could save you on the walk home, she adds.

Today (Dec. 10), KFR, local RCMP, city bylaw and volunteers took these messages to the street, setting up at the Capital Center Tournament (TCC). They spoke to pedestrians, tracked vehicle speeds along the road between Hillside Stadium and the TCC.

"We have heard from the TCC that people are driving at a faster speed than the 20 mph speed limit," Shelkie says. "The TCC is a place where families and children come a lot and children may be darting out of vehicles or crossing the street, not in a crosswalk."

Shelkie says future events are planned for similar parts of the city, where pedestrians and vehicles are nearby.

Runner's Notes: Safety reminders

By all accounts, the six members of the Oklahoma High School track team who were tragically hit by a truck last week did all the right things. They were running in a group, against traffic, on the sidewalk. And, yet, an (allegedly) drunk driver still careened up on the sidewalk and hit them, apparently killing two of the students and leaving four more in critical condition.

While it may be true that some tragedies cannot be foreseen or prevented, others maybe if you follow a few running safety rules:

Be seen. This may be the most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Wear bright clothes and know that a few reflective strips or piping on your jacket / running clothes always go to cut it when running in low-light (dusk/dawn / rain/fog) or in the dark. Invest in a reflective vest or, better yet, an entire reflective jacket with reflective fabric and/or a blinky light and/or anything else that will help drivers notice you. You often overdo it, especially when drivers today are often distracted by cell phones and such. Along those lines...

Run defensively. "Zone out" when you run. You need to pay attention, keep an eye on traffic, look both ways before crossing, and always assume that drivers A.) see you, B.) are going to stop for you / obey pedestrian laws.

If stopped at an intersection with a stopped car, never cross without making eye contact with the driver. A driver settles for a wave from the passenger or a glance from the driver. Wait for full eye contact so you are sure they see you and talk about who is going to go first.

Drones out environmental noise. When I run solo, love to listen to music, but learned to keep it low and, lately, started just putting it on the speaker on my phone (provided you also going to disturb others). A few other options: Switch to podcasts, which let you hear more of what's going on around you, or use just one earbud.

Run in a group / with a partner. This is always practical and I know that some people prefer to run alone. But there is safety in numbers. Even a dog will provide an extra layer of protection.

Carry ID. If something should happen to you (accidental or medical emergency), those who help you will need to know who you are. Make it a habit to carry ID (tuck it in your phone, etc.) and when you enter a race, ALWAYS put your personal information (name address, who to contact in case of emergency, etc.) on the back of your bib.

Trust your instincts. If someone is making you feel weird or you get a bad vibe about a certain part of your route at any moment, heed that warning and adjust accordingly. I believe wholeheartedly in gut instinct helping to avoid tragedy.

Run against traffic. Always run facing traffic, with one important exception - when you are on a blind curve or hill where motorists might come upon you suddenly and be surprised to find you there. You know where these places are, use your common sense to keep yourself out of trouble. There are times considered OK to cross, just be sure to cross back when the road flattens or straightens back out.

Avoid rush hour. I know as runners we feel our God-given right to run anywhere we want at any time, but not wise to minimize the danger by avoiding heavily trafficked areas at certain times of the day. Case in point: I love to run in Knowledge Park, a business park, near Penn State Behrend. I do, however, try to avoid running there during rush hours in the morning and after work. Can I run there? Sure. Is it my right to run there? Sure. Do I technically have the right of way? Yep. Is it worth angering / surprisingly a whole lot of motorists to check my point? Nope. And, again, along those lines...

Fight with a car. Resist the urge to yell, gesture, or otherwise fight with a person driving a 2,000-pound lethal weapon. I have been there. Believe me. Done it. And, regretted it every single time. It just isn't worth it.

What to remember when going to the forest for mushrooms

How not to get lost in the forest and what you need to remember when going for mushrooms? About these volunteers of the search squad told schoolchildren resting in the camp "Birch Grove." Here, children under the supervision and on their own do not go outside the recreation center. Nevertheless, such activities, the volunteers are sure, will be useful to children. By the way, for many adults, some advice on the rules of conduct in the forest often turned out to be a discovery.

Camp "Birch Grove" is located in the forest. Security is strictly monitored here. The territory is fenced and guarded. Each child is instructed.

A separate topic is a loss in the forest. The number of strayers has increased recently. On Sunday alone, Lisa Alert received 14 applications to search for missing people. Among them there are children.

"In general, this should not be so that the child is alone in the forest. He is sure to be with his parents and not far from the place where they live," says Maria Lapsheva, volunteer of the search and rescue squad Lisa Alert.

The specifics of adult search and children's search are different. Finding children is much more difficult. The reason is the lack of at least some knowledge about the behavior in such situations.

"The behavior of children in the forest in a stressful situation does not lend itself to any logic. A child may cross the road, fail to notice the power line, pass by the village and, most likely, the child will respond poorly to the screams of rescuers," explains Timur Orlov, volunteer of the Lisa Alert search and rescue squad.

So what to do in order not to get lost in the forest? What to take with you, even if you are sure that you will not get lost? For many children, it was a discovery, for example, that you can call for help with the help of a whistle. In this case, you will not break the voice. Or you can knock on wood. These sounds are well heard in the forest, and they will find the loss faster. But the most important thing is to stay in place and not to go anywhere. Among life hacks from volunteers - what to do if you are injured in the forest, why you need a chocolate bar and why bright clothes are better than camouflage.

"Here is the perfect option. A reflective vest with reflective fabric is sold in any car shop. If you shine a flashlight on it at night, it is visible from afar."

But the biggest help for search engines, of course, is a mobile phone. The number of rescue service 112 needs to know by heart. In case you get lost, it is important to protect the phone’s charge. In 80% of cases, searches are successful if the loss can get in touch.

"People do not follow safety rules. First, go to the forest without a charged phone. Or, as soon as they've lost, they begin to land the phone, they call all relatives and the phone’s charge simply runs out," says Timur Orlov, volunteer of the Lisa Alert search and rescue squad.

So. The basic rules that every student of the Liza Alert school should remember are to stay in place, to whistle or knock on a tree, to respond to screams. There is no need to search for a river to avoid the danger of drowning. Thirst will have to endure. Shelter from the cold can be in the leaves, while sleep must be fought. Wild animals should not be afraid. When meeting with them, it is enough to shout. Most likely, the beast will leave.

The conversation was interesting not only for children. Interested in the work of the school "Lisa Alert" and teachers.

"The information is very important, because children, as volunteers said, running into the forest, do not think about anything. I learned a lot of important things. Whistle. I didn't think that I needed a whistle. I didn't even think about it. I didn’t think of knocking on wood. For me, it was something new. The children also had a lot of important and new things," the teacher Irina Kosterina shared her impressions of the meeting.

The school sets homework. So in the school "Lisa Alert" they also have. Among the first is to learn the phone numbers of parents. Remember that you cannot leave with random passers-by. Now the volunteers of the search squad are preparing a series of quests for children. The guys have to visit different simulated situations. And in practice, they will have to solve the issues of survival.

Novosibirsk with breathalyzers will be allowed one day to work as traffic police inspectors

The traffic police of Novosibirsk announced the start of a new campaign "Become an inspector of traffic police for 1 day." Novosibirsk will be able to work in tandem with an existing employee to catch violators of traffic rules.

"Of course, they can feel like traffic police inspectors, but they will naturally work in yellow retro-reflective vests, observing safety precautions under the supervision of a traffic police inspector - a certified employee. They will work with the rod, they will be able to identify violators of the traffic rules in the stream, of course, they will try to stop them on their own, but all this is under the close supervision and guidance of a partner," Anna Varnavskaya, senior inspector of traffic safety propaganda for the Novosibirsk traffic police, told the NSA correspondent.

Also, the trainee will be allowed to try such devices as the Jupiter breathalyzer and the Tonic glass light transmission meter. Thus, the traffic police hope to attract new employees. Volunteers will work on the day of the campaign for free.

"We would like to see men under the age of 35 - the main criterion. Those who served in the Armed Forces or students of the last courses of universities. We want the person to try, he liked it, and he came to work with us," added Barnavskaya.

The traffic police emphasized that the participants will be given only reflective vests with reflective tape, so they will need to find suitable clothes on their own.

Reflective vest allowed not to carry

In March 2018, an amendment to the SDA began to apply in Russia, according to which every driver should have a reflective vest in the car and wear it if necessary. Here is the verbatim text of clause 2.3.4 of the rules: "In the event of a forced stop of a vehicle or a traffic accident outside the settlements at night or in conditions of limited visibility while on the road or curbside, wear a jacket, vest or wrap with strips of retro-reflective material that meet the requirements of GOST 12.4.281—2014."

Various assumptions and interpretations immediately appeared in the media about how and when, due to the lack of a reflective vest with reflective fabric in the car, traffic police officers will fine drivers. In this regard, the head of the Duma Committee on Labor and Social Policy, Yaroslav Nilov, prepared and sent a request addressed to the head of the traffic police General Mikhail Cherenkov, in which he asked for clarification: did the patrol traffic police have the right to require this driver to present this vest when checking documents. And also to answer the question: what sanctions may follow if the vest in the car is still not there.

The other day from the traffic police came to a response to the request of the deputy Nilov. In it, the first deputy chief of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Russian Federation, General Vladimir Shvetsov, clearly and unequivocally stated that traffic police have no right to require the driver of a vehicle to present a vest or jacket with strips of reflective material when checking documents or performing other administrative procedures. "Administrative liability for the lack of a vest in a vehicle or driver is not provided."

And since no one has the right to check and punish for the lack of a vest in the car or on the driver, then, in fact, it is allowed not to carry retro-reflective clothes in the car. Another thing is that any sensible driver will take care of this accessory without anyone else's instructions and, if necessary, will put it on himself - simply obeying the instinct of self-preservation.

Vests for pilgrims against abuses

The Traffic Subsector of the Civil Guard of Pontevedra launched the campaign of the General Directorate of Traffic on Road Traffic Prevention that will take place until the end of next November in the autonomous community of Galicia.

During the day yesterday, members of the Traffic detachments of the Civil Guard of Vilaboa and O Porriño delivered several reflective vests to the pilgrims who traveled the Camino de Santiago at their intersections or coincidences with the road network of their respective demarcations.

As reported by the armed institute, among the objectives of this campaign, which aims to prevent road accidents, is the distribution of high visibility vests among pedestrians, especially older people, walkers, and pilgrims.

The intention, says the Civil Guard in a statement, is to make pedestrians aware that they have to be seen on the road using the reflective vest, even during the day and encourage behavioral habits to create safe behaviors, in the understanding that the family environment of the older pedestrian must convey the danger of walking without a vest.

In the campaign, special attention will also be given to drivers, making sure they make use of the high visibility vest whenever they get off the vehicle and occupy the road or the sidewalk on interurban roads.

The traffic detachment of the Civil Guard of O Porriño monitors the southern part of the Vigo area, so the campaign extends along the path of the Camino de Santiago.

The high number of outrages mainly in rural has led Traffic to put this campaign to stop these accidents.

Visibility is one of the fundamental causes since the absence of reflective vests prevents vehicles traveling through secondary roads from noticing the presence of pedestrians, those who make the road as pilgrims and those who invade the road to cross.

Debut in a kayak in the northern waters

When sailing out into the open waters, especially during the "canoe debut", one should follow some basic safety rules. What is worth remembering when going on a kayak trip in Norwegian waters?

Necessary equipment

Life jacket. This is a must-have item for kayaking. It should have fluorescent colors, reflective tapes, and pockets for small items, such as a penknife or cell phone.

Inflatable paddle pen case. It helps to get stability when climbing back into the kayak after falling into the water. Particularly useful for inexperienced canoeists.

Inflatable paddle cover.

Paddle rope. It is used to attach the paddle to the kayak so that it does not float away. However, it can cause some discomfort during rowing because it tends to twist and get tangled.

Bilge pump. It removes water from inside the kayak.

Whistle. Useful when calling for help. It is better to make a whistle signal than to shout.

Knife. In the event of an accident on the water, it is easy to get caught in something or get stuck (e.g. in the paddle rope, if used). Then a knife is necessary to clear the way.

Mobile phone or handheld VHF radio. It is worth having one of them with you, regardless of whether you are rowing in the company or alone. It's best to protect your equipment with a waterproof cover.

Flashlight or LED lamp. To ensure better visibility in the dark.

Radar reflector. Prop especially useful in waters with heavy boat traffic. Such an object made of aluminum or plastic guarantees detectability on the radars of larger units.

The police action is starting. Many more officers will appear on the roads

From today to Sunday, November 3, policemen will carry out activities related to the All Saints' period. Uniforms will be particularly visible on access roads to cities and around cemeteries. There will also be many more officers on the road.

On Thursday, October 31, police throughout the country began the annual "Znicz" campaign. The activities are related to the All Saints' period, during which many people set off to get to the cemeteries where the graves of their relatives are located. This is associated with increased traffic on the roads and pedestrians around the cemetery. The policemen will look after their safety, there will be much more patrols than usual.

The police will be responsible for ensuring the safety of road users. Uniforms will be particularly visible near cemeteries, where they are to direct traffic, help drivers navigate in these areas, or show them parking spaces. This is particularly important because the changed traffic organization will apply in most of the necropolis. More patrols will also appear on the main routes, in this case, officers will be less noticeable because they are mainly to move in unmarked patrol cars.

This is to allow more effective elimination of road pirates who, through their driving style, pose a threat to other road users. Drivers must also take into account increased controls. It will be checked whether they comply with speed limits, whether travelers have their seat belts fastened and children are transported in safety seats, as well as the technical condition of the vehicles and the sobriety of the drivers.

"The All Saints' period is not only a time of reflection and reflection but also a time of travel to the graves of loved ones distant even by several hundred kilometers from places of residence. Long and tiring travel time, traffic jams forming on roads, often unfavorable weather conditions favor fatigue. Therefore, police officers will ensure the safety of all road users. At the same time, we call for careful and reasonable driving," says subinsp. Renata Laszczka-Rusek from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Lublin.

Policemen will also pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists. The turn of October and November is a period in which atmospheric conditions are very variable and darkness falls faster and faster. Therefore, these people must be visible to drivers. A reflective vest, keyring, headband, or even an ordinary flashlight will make it possible to be noticed by drivers in time when driving on a dimly lit road, thus avoiding injury or death in an accident. It is also important to place them: reflectors should be worn at knees, hands, around the middle of the chest and back.

Sunport refurbishment nearing the three-year mark

On a recent weekday afternoon, men in hard hats and neon safety vests climbed up and down ladders just outside the arrival doors at the Albuquerque International Sunport.

Work crews are a now-familiar presence at the state's largest airport – and travelers may see more of the same for the next few months as the facility's "Terminal Improvement Project" approaches the three-year mark.

Airport officials say the installation of lights is the last remaining piece of a facility update that former Mayor Richard Berry said would put "the best possible face on Albuquerque we can."

The contractor, Flintco, has until the end of February to finish the job – that’s according to the 20th change order approved for a project that is now 1½ years behind schedule and about $2.5 million over the initial budget.

Albuquerque aviation director Nyika Allen blames the delays in part on inadequate project "scoping" – which she says is the purview of the city and the architect – and problems with Flintco's electrical subcontractor. But she said the Sunport has the wherewithal to cover the price increase and that the work has had little effect on the traveling public.

"No one likes to see the ceiling open, that’s for sure,” she said in a recent interview. "But otherwise we've been 100% open."

The work started in early 2017. The objective was to "refurbish and upgrade the ticketing, baggage claim and exterior areas of the terminal," according to a Feb. 24, 2017, Sunport news release. It was to take 15 months and cost $30 million.

But construction time has since more than doubled and the cost has risen to $32.4 million.

Allen said the city bears some responsibility since it should have anticipated at least a few of the changes ultimately built into the project.

The first change order, for example, was requested in May 2017, less than two months into the job. It totaled more than $900,000 and pertained primarily to the facility's stucco.

Renovation plans included new, larger windows on the arrivals level, which would require some stuccoing around them. But the project architect told the city in a memo that it was "next to impossible" to match new stucco surrounding windows to the rest of the facade, which was already inconsistent due to age, damage and previous patch repairs. Also, crews found "extensive unanticipated water and rust damage to the existing structural studs and stucco finish associated with the portico columns" on the second level.

The city ultimately approved stuccoing the entire north facade and portico entrances.

Though Allen did not take over the Sunport until 2018 – as an appointee of Mayor Tim Keller – she cited the stucco as a significant issue that should have been addressed during the project's scoping phase.

"You can't just patch stucco in a tiny spot; you need to do the stucco on that side," she said. "I don't know why that wasn't thought about."

But changes to the scope of work was not the only problem.

Flintco’s electrical contractor "essentially walked off the job" and had to be replaced, Allen said.

And the electrical contractor left problems in its wake.

In seeking one of its timetable extensions, Flintco's Rebecca Masters said some of the original electrical contractor's work had to be redone. She blamed the company for "disordered materials and unsatisfactory work that requires extensive reinstallation or reordering of lighting fixtures and accessories," according to an Aug. 9, 2019, memo to the project's architects obtained by the Journal through a public records request.

A Flintco representative acknowledged that replacing the original electrical contractor created delays but said the project also included "unforeseen conditions" and work beyond the original outline.

"Throughout the project, Flintco has remained flexible and responsive in accommodating the operational requirements of the airport and the traveling public. The vast majority of the project has been completed and remains open," Steve Eikanger, Flintco vice president and area manager, said in an email, adding that the company was currently waiting for delivery of the last set of decorative light fixtures. "This important infrastructure project is slated for completion early next year (2020) and will deliver an exceptional result to the City of Albuquerque."

Allen said the airport has not decided whether to pursue any penalties against Flintco, saying she would evaluate the options once the project is finally finished. In a push for completion, Allen said she had Flintco personnel establish an on-site office and meet weekly with the Sunport staff.

"I think there were a lot of unforeseen circumstances that also had to deal with, (but the contractor's performance) wasn't great," she said. "I think they are working with us now, but I think we should expect a lot from people who are doing public projects and the bar should be set high for these contractors."

Allen said the Sunport has the self-generated revenue to cover the project. Half comes from a capital fund that airlines pay into, and a half from passenger facility charges, she said.