Month: January 2016

Safe way to school: student road security

Action “Safe school”: Tele Columbus supports graders in Berlin

Just in time for Back to School in Berlin launched the Tele Columbus AG, the third largest German cable operator, its action “Safe way to school 2015”.

At 31 Berlin schools received 1900 school starters to her first day of school a reflective vest for more road safety. With a coloring book provided by Tele Columbus, the first year can also entertaining way basic tips for more road safety acquire? Among all participating schools Tele Columbus raffled off as part of a drawing competition beyond 5 times 100 Euros for the class fund. A winning picture from over 200 submissions came from Friedrichsfelde, from the first year of the Carolyn Begler Friedrichsfelder primary school. You and Eire Class can look forward to 100 Euros for the class fund.

With the initiative “Safe way to school 2015” to the ABC-shooters is made fit for their school. As a regional cable operator and a close partner of the housing industry locally Tele Columbus had written a total of 395 schools in the East German states. 110 schools participated in the campaign and received a total of Tele Columbus 4650 safety vest and 7000 crayon sets and coloring books. The coloring book was designed by hand by employees of the cable operator. Tele Columbus supplied in Berlin around 400 000 households with television, internet and telephone via the cable connection.

“Like all parents we value the safety of our school children very important,” explains Stefan Beberweil, Tele Columbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Because has been proven that early education reduces the traffic accident rate among children, we want to assist with this action. We wish all the children have fun with the coloring books and always a safe way to school! “

The relective safety vest for bicycle race

In early this year, the Interior Minister announce mandatory detention in the bike (or scooter) a high visibility safety vest, as in the automobile.

Among these, a common core all vehicles in connection with the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, the use of the Smartphone while driving, but also three specific measures for bikers, including the mandatory detention a high visibility vest under the seat.

Indicators of accidents on the rise

The Interior Minister did not increase the pressure on drivers but is pushed by the first estimates on statistics of accidents last year: the National Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) reported late December 3416 we should reach the Hexagon killed on roads during the 12 months of 2014, against 3,268 in 2013, or about 150 more deaths.

The time is however more to over-repression, as was the case some years ago. There is increase in deaths and accidents, of course, but it does not hoisted 2014 to a level higher than in 2012 (3.653 deaths). “2013 was an exceptional year,” said the interministerial delegate for road safety, Jean-Robert Lopez.

So we should stay foot on the brake pedal towards the place Beauvais. And the minister would simply endorse the proposals made in the plenary meetings of the National Road Safety Council (NSRC) in 2013 and 2014: an experiment lowering to 80 km / h speed limit on some departmental bidirectional only. The more draconian the appearance remains formidable double-sided radar, but only to replace obsolete in booths. The total number of radars will not exceed 4,200 units.

Specific attention to bikers, the implementation of measures recommended at the June NSRC … 2013: the obligation to hold a high visibility vest, on a par with car drivers and trucks; vest that will be donned in case of accidental stop on the side of the road as by car. Moreover, the minister should announce one size number plates, set at 210 x 130 mm; plates which are already filled most of the two-wheeler since 2009. Finally, experimentation of interfile circulation should know a top start in September 2015.

“The detention of high visibility vest in the vehicle can be considered vis-à-vis equity pledge of other drivers”, translated Nathanael Ganglier, general delegate of the French Federation of angry bikers (FFMC). “This is not an evolution of Reflective armband, which is behind us.”

Low impact on the stat of accidents

FMWC remains opposed to any obligation, but stands behind the idea of ​​an equal treatment for all types of vehicles. “Actually, this is not a road safety measure in the sense that the proportion of injuries among two-wheeler drivers who are hanging while they are out on the edge of the road, compared to all motorcycle injuries, is extremely low, “says Nathanael.

Put on his jacket on the roadside might even be a vehicle for road safety … In discussions at NSRC, the FFMC has highlighted the specifics of riding a motorcycle, “The motorcyclist stopped on the side risk of endangering themselves whether to get off his vehicle and lift the saddle to grab and put on his jacket with reflective tape, feared Nathanael. We hope that the Minister will exercise a little common sense when considering this solution. ”

We will know in January if this argument was heard. The ministry did not specify the exact date announcements about road safety, but we guess it will be around January 20, when ONISR will be able to unveil the statistics of accidents that occurred in France during the month of December 2014.

Safety kits for motorcycle

This is not because we do not have to carry a first aid kit or a motorcycle signaling system that we should not do it. Louis Moto distributor presents a selection of safety equipment especially designed for bikers and offered at low prices.

Unless you have luggage or ride a scooter, there is unlikely to be able to carry a warning triangle on a motorcycle. Yet this accessory proves very useful to report a vehicle stopped for other users. German retailer proposes a stretch fabric cover helmet covered with a red reflective tape. Sold for € 6.99, this improvised warning triangle does not take up space and can also serve as a standard cover.

For those who are afraid of not being seen, the brand also markets a warning light. Composed of 16 LEDs, this warning has 9 modes of lighting and is visible 360 ​​°. Weighing only 180 grams and has a diameter of 10.5 cm, it offers a battery life of about 70 hours and works with a single lithium battery. The warning LED is sold € 14.99.

Whether on the bike or once down, it can also be helpful to make it visible. Although criticized in 2011 after the Department of the Interior has refused to impose the yellow vest remains an effective way to be seen. With 2 reflective stripes 5 cm in height, safety vest is offered at € 2.99.

Finally, it ends with the first aid kit. It is also thought for motorcycles. It retains the compact dimensions (15 x 12 x 4 cm). It includes a blanket, two pairs of gloves, 14 dressings, 2 cleaning wipes of the skin, a plaster roll, two sterile bandages, sterile gauze, a pair of bandage scissors and first aid leaflet. The set is sold € 9.99.

New rules about traffic safety for cyclist.

13 new come into force on 1 January 2016. Some are welcomed with a smile as the drop in fuel prices, others with a face … Make your market, and here are thirteen reforms that take effect on the day of New Year’s Eve.

The bonus replaces the RSA business activity and employment bonus from 1 January 2016. This financial aid is intended for the poorest workers. It must encourage this disadvantaged public to regain employment.

The premium segment is open to young professionals from 18 years, employees and apprentices students meet the criteria determined by the text.

This amount is an additional resource is paid monthly. Recipients must report their quarterly earnings; quarterly…

CAF said that the current beneficiaries of the RSA will be switched automatically to the premium business.

Distinguish own vehicles and other…

The certificate CRIT’Air appeared. This document gives a green dot, violet, yellow or orange depending on the pollution level of your vehicle. It costs 5 Euros and is not required (note: for now). It allows, in the big cities: In the age of e-mails and SMS, timbre seems increasingly obsolete yet it still exists.

It increases by 3.6% on 1 January 2016. It will increase from 76-80 Euro cents for priority letter and 68-70 cents for a green letter.

Taxi drivers were the first victims of the lack of visibility of price shopping. To end the vagueness which affected the image of the profession, now the rules are simplified and clarified.

Each regional prefect issued December 23, 2015 the rates applicable in each department. The drivers have two months to change their meter. Beyond February 23, 2016, they may be fined.

From 1 March 2016 flat rates were introduced for taxis between the Rosy, Only and Paris:

Between Paris airport – Charles de Gaulle and Paris right bank: € 50

On 1 January 2016 will go down in private. Gone are the only Social Security to cover the care of employees in reflective accessories, the employer must now have subscribed mutual. It is an obligation…

The law was passed June 14, 2013 and provided its generalization on 1 January 2016.

The employer’s contribution must be at least 50%, the remainder being borne by the employee.

Employers should make you play sports. From 1 January 2016, if you are traveling by bicycle, they will benefit from a tax reduction.

The employer will benefit from this tax reduction if he puts the bicycles available to its employees.
A bicycle mileage allowance (IKV) for employees who use this mode of transport should also be established.

In this context businesses are forced to provide parking spaces for bicycles. Everyone remembers the events of bikers against the obligation to operate a safety vest on the back. The project has been removed, but instead from 1 January 2016, the bikers will don the famous fluorescent jacket when they stop in an emergency. If they wear yellow or orange vest they will be fined … They will also be sanctioned if they do not present the famous safety equipment during a check…

The cyclists riding at night or day outside built by poor visibility will also wear the vest…

The measure was pushed back a few months, but it was expected that from 1 January 2016, traders no longer had the right to give disposable plastic bags to their customers. Only reusable bags or paper bags, fabric etc … can be used from April. Merchants have time to prepare.

In one year the ban will be extended:

To plastic bags for single use for the packaging of goods at point of sale other than carrier bags except for compostable bags made of home composting and bio-based materials, that is to say based plant material, Non-biodegradable plastic packaging and non-compostable in home composting, for sending the media and advertising (blister packaging).

In 2020 the ban will extend to plastic disposable tableware (Art73 of the Law on energy transition).

Every year 80,000 consumer disputes oppose customers to merchants, artisans, insurers, banks or administration…

These conflicts, which can escalate, clog the courts, police, and gendarmerie. In an attempt to provide a rapid and concrete response to the complainants, on 1 January 2016 is set up the widespread mediation service.

The disgruntled consumer can alert the relevant services through IT. The mediator then has 90 days to find a solution:

People are free to accept or refuse the proposed solution.

Participation in mediation does not exclude the possibility of an appeal before a court.

The proposed solution may be different from the decision to be made by a judge.

The professional must provide the consumer with the coordinated or mediators which it belongs. This information should be legible on its website or on the order form.

The interest loan is one of the levers that would boost home ownership for households with limited incomes.

The ceilings have been revised upwards. From the 1st January 2016 singles contenders can earn on average 1,000 Euros and 2,000 Euros more for couples with 2 children who wear reflective tape on clothing.

Reform of the map of regions of France enters into force officially on 1 January 2016.

The name and capital of each region will be determined by decree on 1 October 2016.

Many retirees’ migrant workers live in precarious conditions in France due to lack of resource. These seniors do not have the means to return to their country of origin.

From 1 January 2016, the government will help these people to return to their country of origin by supporting them in the family and social reintegration. Financial assistance is to retire at which the recipient could claim (less than 6600 Euros per year).

The last change is much more nebulous. A code was created to clarify the relationship between the public (Editor’s note: in the broad sense) and administration. It comes into force on 1 January 2016. For the editors, too often the texts were not specific enough or too left room for interpretation.

The Public Relations Department call on people wear reflective vest

The Public Relations Department of the National Police on the requirements that should be considered for screening people and vehicles at roadblocks. Most of traffic accidents are cause of low visibility weather and seldom people equip safety accessory like reflective vest.

To perform the procedures in the control of police barriers must have the minimum amount of seven police officers. Each operation must have one or more patrol (car, truck, and motorcycle), often portable radio of the National Police, sleeves and reflective tape, reflective cones, vests, flashlights and whistles.

Police personnel in this type of operating asks individuals identity card, if alien must present their passport, vehicle documents and driving license.

Agents can make the vehicle inspection whenever there is suspicion that inside of road is some sort of object related to the commission of an offense, such inspection must take place in the presence of the person responsible for the vehicle.

Operating can be performed at any time of day and in visible places.

A forex trader Argentina national was killed Monday in a shot by assailants in the town of Puerto Falcon. To realize the robbery, the criminals set up a fake police checkpoint barrier, using reflective cones, police also wore safety vest.

It turned Ramón Escobar victim 62 who resisted the assault and was shot in the head.

Reflective vests save lives

We have with us in 2300 reflective tape, piles with conventional reflectors and moreover many figure reflexes. And to say it goes away!

Arne A base in Road Safety marking the national day reflex through distribution of free reflex to anyone arriving downtown with light rail or bus to Festplassen and Olav Kyra Street…

Far from all have reflective vest, when they get off the bus. And the vast majority welcomes the Abase calls “a cheap insurance.”

Many people go around in the belief that here in the city we do not flare, but it is wrong. Many have haste, go in dark clothes and may have to cross several streets until they are at work. Also inside the city streets can be difficult for motorists to spot pedestrians. Today there is great clear day, but tomorrow it may be pour POS rainy weather, which makes visibility even worse, he says.

2.8 million Norwegians have experienced almost run on a pedestrian in the dark, writes for Road Safety in a statement.

Everyone knows that reflex saves lives, but too few are using it, says Carina Penske, Acting Communications Director of Road Safety.
According to Institute of Transport Economics happens about 35 percent of the fatalities with consistently in the dark? Only five percent of pedestrians are hit and injured, because they wear safety vests.

Safety vests should be mandatory for cyclists

The German Police Union wants to introduce in Berlin reflective vests for cyclists. This triggers a new discussion about more road safety.

Many cyclists are dark without light on the road, endangering themselves and other road users. Especially in the winter months when it is already dark early, many cyclists are easily overlooked. The German Police Union Berlin (Dog) now demands that cyclists must wear by nightfall on a reflective vest.

“With safety vest are cyclists more visible in the dark,” said Bode Count Palatine, state chairman of the Dog, the Berliner Morgenpost. “Therefore, it should at dusk and at night give a duty to carry safety vests.” The demand came at a symposium of the radio car driver together in discussions with the officials of the traffic monitoring. Berlin cyclists would rush especially in the evenings without lights through the city, they say. “The excuses are mostly the same. The light is only just broke down” Palatine reported from the experience of officials. “Particularly brazen is the excuse it passing anyway nothing.”

The advocacy of the cyclists, the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), the trade union demand looks critical. “Who wants to make cycling safer, must take care of safe cycle lanes and, through public relations work for a good traffic environment. The show international comparisons such as Copenhagen or with the Netherlands,” said Stephanie Kroner, spokeswoman for the ADFC. “Anyone who feels as cyclists on the streets welcome and respected adheres better to the rules. The lighting requirements for bicycles are sufficient to ensure the visibility and perception of cyclists.”

Please also refer to Pro & Contra: The Police Union wants to initiate with their demand a political discussion. “We are intensely for our idea to get lives, advertise,” Palatine said. Support learns the union demand of the CDU parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies. “Yes, without restrictions Yes. I am very clear for a mandatory safety vests for cyclists from nightfall,” said the traffic expert of the CDU, Oliver Frederica. “That’s a lot of security for little money.” Cyclists who are not seen in the dark, would scare often pedestrians and motorists and put at risk. “I am an ardent supporter of this idea.”

The Green Group in the House believes that the proposal in everyday life will be difficult to implement. “The proposal of the police union is certainly well-intentioned, but impractical,” said the transport spokesman for the Greens, Stefan Gelbhaar, and referred to Leihfahrradsysteme. “Then every cyclist should at all time carry around a reflective vest with them.” Always new demands would bring in his view, nothing. “Better is a functioning lighting on the bicycle and adequate controls.”

In the traffic safety not only the cyclists should be aware of their responsibilities, he said, and calls for better infrastructure for cyclists. Especially at intersections would happen a lot of accidents? “There is still plenty to do.” “One should think and educate about wearing the vests on a voluntary basis,” he said. “To make the wearing of duty, I see skepticism in Berlin.”

The ADAC relies on higher education, attractive clothing, reflective tapes and voluntary instead of a “bureaucratic safety vest obligation”. “Vests care with cyclists for much better visibility in the dark. Especially in Berlin already many cyclists wear reflective vests voluntarily and are therefore safer on the road,” said Volker cranes, ADAC board member for transport in Berlin-Brandenburg. “Lighting and visibility are equally important for all road users.”

Safety clothing with reflective tape for fire fighters

The mid-90s had all the fire brigades in Baden-Württemberg converted to the prescribed by the state turnout gear 90, the state of Baden Württemberg has this turnout gear required and subsidized compulsory. The jacket was orange in color.

The familiar image of the orange insert jackets heard now in the fire brigade Bad Friedrichshall thing of the past. Even with the loss of power exercises on the last weekend in June, the new red-yellow protective suits could be seen. On July 5, all active members were equipped with the new safety vest.

The reason for the change is the modification and extension of the standard for firefighters turnout gear in 2007, which confirmed what had firefighters from practice already known and has been widely criticized: The consistent use clothes corresponded – especially in fire fighting – not the more stringent requirements , With the introduction of many modern plastics in the automotive and residential construction as well as the novel isolation techniques and insulation fires have today a different character: They often develop insidiously as smoldering with highly toxic hot flue gases, the case of a sudden supply of oxygen by bursting of a window pane or open the door to the fire room tend to smoke gas ignition with simultaneous enormous heat development, and flashes education.

Such occurrences could use the traditional clothes, especially pants, not adequately protect what when using forces often resulted in burns. Therefore, should be included with the firefighters Bad Friedrichshall for many years on the vehicles Pants for respiratory protection task forces and all respirators carrier equipped with new pants use new protection level 2 of 2007.

In previous orange jackets used was disadvantageous that the reflective tape grayish after several washings and no longer adequately reflect. In addition, had the road space in addition high visibility vests are worn. Hinders was also the length of jackets when deployed in a bent bracket or on their knees. In addition, many jackets were consumed by the variety of operations and exercises. Already in the past had to be replaced jackets.

Against this background, the fire brigade Bad Friedrichshall 2008 the city a request for procurement of new turnout gear, which should correspond to the now valid standard. The application was approved and set a first rate in the household. Thus began a two-year long way with innumerable meetings and several offers that had to be seen, until the final three patterns came into the closer selection that have been re-examined extensively. Already soon it was decided that the use of clothes should not be blue but again orange or red.

For the choice of the light color several factors have spoken. Firstly, dirt (especially by Brandruß and other toxic substances) easily visible, the protective jacket is cleaned regularly. On the other swallows bright clothes less heat – especially important “hot” in fire operations and in the summer. The most important positive side effect is that the emergency services can be seen well on the day and at twilight.

Another important point for the evaluation of new turnout gear was the opinion on the wearing comfort. Bent over, on their knees or on the ground, the task forces are often required when it is necessary to save human lives or protect property. Especially in fire operations and there the inside attack with respirators, personal protective equipment plays a particularly important role. Therefore, the jacket should not be too long, but also be a jacket because of the protective effect in the overlap region pants / jacket.

In Firemen Committee it was decided to involve all active members then for fire protective clothing Fire liner, Model 1960 Spacer, the company Consulted AG. The upper is made of Nome XRS and heat resistant up to 450 ° C operating temperature of heating. Additional protection is achieved by the three-layer structure with a PU membrane, heat resistant up to 230 ° C internal temperature. The protective clothing is antistatic and short-term resistance to acids and alkalis. The colors red and luminous yellow with additional reflective tapes provide a so optimal visibility so that vests in road traffic can be omitted for the emergency services.

The fire protective clothing Fire liner is especially suitable for use on heat sources. Even with short-term contact with an open fire, the carrier is protected from injury. These clothes not only offer maximum protection in the interior attack, but also protects against the weather. The wear properties will be evaluated by the emergency services as pleasant, particularly because of the short cut, the light weight and fit.

A total of 110 uniform jackets were purchased and issued July 5, 2010 in the presence of Mayor Peter Dodderer for the assets of all departments. When handing over the new protective clothing resulted from Mayor Dodderer that the city is behind your fire department and the emergency services in their operations provides the best possible protection, insofar as this is within the scope of what is possible and can be justified. The rationale in the proposal was convincing. Therefore, special attention was paid to the quality and features and decided not only by the price when purchasing the jackets. This approach has proven itself already in the procurement of the turnout gear 90, which largely is now 15 years of service. The total cost were financially for the city a huge chunk, since now, in contrast to the initial procurement of the turnout gear 90, for the necessary replacement measure now no grants will be awarded by the State. Financing requirements were provided over a period of 3 years in the households and transmitted as part of the fire department budgets respectively.

There will be for some time, the old and new turnout gear side by side, because the previous use of clothing is 90 as far as possible retained as replacements and exercise jacket. The first reactions of the forces on the reflective vest were positive after the first missions.

ADAC recalls safety vests

The ADAC brings safety vest which he distributed to primary schools in South Westphalia, back. The reflective stripes withhold their services. The material damage is apparently at several million Euros.

The safety vests, which the ADAC has also distributed to primary schools in South Westphalia, have a dark spot. That is why the “Yellow Angel” who can bring back the jackets.

“We have ordered together with Deutsche Post and the action, Eon Hers fur kinder ‘safety vests for all children starting school in Germany,” says ADAC spokesman Andreas Hazel, “so that the school for the youngest road users will be safer.”

Also the ADAC Westphalia asked for all elementary schools from Dortmund to Siegen, who wants to distribute the yellow reflective vest to his I-Dote at the beginning of the dark season in South Westphalia. Almost all schools accepted the offer.

“A well-known manufacturer of safety clothing” says Andreas Hazel, – – Consequently, the traffic experts left the West directed by CWS boo produce in China. In order to guarantee the quality of the jackets, the ADAC went to “play it safe”. He asked the company CWS boo to an extensive certification of yellow bedspreads. In addition, TÜV Rhineland tested in Shanghai, the quality of the clothing on the spot. “Here, the safety vests all the tests and also the final full test passed,” says Andreas Hazel.

Extradition could walk across the stage. Each Gaul of ADAC was supplied with the desired amount. “We have passed directly through our partner DHL packages to schools,” said Dr. Peter Mints reminiscent of ADAC Westphalia in Dortmund. Finally, should the safety vests from 22 September – are passed to the first graders – even before the autumn holidays.

But as soon as the packages had arrived in schools, as they were also called back again. The result: All delivered west were recalled. Should already be some spread that students are allowed to keep these vests. Andreas Hazel: “You meet so the warning functions, only not achieve the best possible standard of safety.” That’s why CWS boo will revise all delivered 750 000. Safety vests and provided with a prescribed reflective tapes.

The distribution is delayed, that galls me”

“This of course delayed the distribution of the Yellow Jackets to a few weeks,” says Dr. Peter Mints, “the galls me.”Fortunately the autumn holidays come in between, so that the non-material damage was not so great. Dr. Peter Mints: “Immediately after the autumn holidays – so no later than 23rd of October – will be ready is the new west in the schools.”

The material damage, which the manufacturer CWS boo has to wear is, said Dr. Peter Mints, “at several million Euros.”

A test about safety vest and road safety

In many safety vests, drivers cannot leave in an emergency. That is the conclusion of a product test; the AUTO BILD has conducted jointly with the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) in St. Augustine (NRW). In the test, 13 vests were tested, ten for adults, three children. The result: Four of the tested reflective vest did not meet the German standards and were given the assessment ‘poor’: The vests of MBW and Aral the reflective tape not threw back enough light, and in Help vest the surfaces of the reflective material were too small.

The vests of Calf and ATU were “sufficient” The very small values ​​in reflection or luminance of the color areas of AUTO BILD with. Recommended are only seven vests, especially the Bauhaus, the “very good” was the only the predicate. “Good” with the West from ADAC, Obi, from Leona-aid kit and Shell, as well as children from the ADAC and west of Max Bahr. Your colored areas are large and very powerful lights. The reflective tapes are properly seated on the vest and throw back a lot of light. In this west one is both a day and night saw good.

So AUTO BILD has been tested: The surface of background and reflective stripes and the spacing of the strips were measured with millimeter accuracy. For determining the reflectivity of the IFA technicians cut parts of the strip from, glued them on a so-called goniometry and irradiated the surface evenly with light strength ten lox – the value of a streetlight at night. They measured how much light has been thrown back.

The test judgments of all investigated safety vests can be found above in the gallery.