In the darker season there is an increased risk of accidents for pedestrians. Poor visibility, changing weather conditions and dark clothing are the main cause of accidents at dusk. The Austrian Road Safety Board gives tips on how to do in the winter months most visible and prevents accidents.
Although pedestrians, brightly lit car from afar, they themselves are often perceived contrast, only very late of automotive handlebars. Simple tools are bright and equipped with reflectors clothing. Pedestrian wearing clothing with reflectors can be seen for a motorist with low beam already from 150 meters away. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing, however, can only be seen from 20 to 30 meters, that is often too late to react accordingly.
Danger on the crosswalk
The poor visibility is particularly at crosswalks cause of many accidents. “In the dark, still many a protection path leads a nondescript wallflower – with increased risk of pedestrian studies show a much lower at night stopping readiness of the vehicle driver before pedestrian crossings than in daylight In poorly lit pedestrian crossings of the handlebar will to pedestrians is to give priority, even.. A third less present as well-lit at therefore important for survival for pedestrians equation is. “Visibility is safety,” explains Florien Schneider, prevention consultant in the PRR.
Reflectors set standards
Final so the mousy revelers! Not only the optimum illumination of the protection path itself can be lifesaving, his customers can actively help to protect their lives in the dark: With reflective material clothing at night pedestrians are much more visible and therefore safer on the road.
While walking, Nordic walking or even when working in the road space (snow shovels, hedge trimming, etc.) it is recommended to make them “visible”. “Think of the reflective material not only when you are along rural roads as a pedestrian on the road, but also in urban areas, because 90 percent of pedestrian accidents occur in the villages We therefore recommend that all pedestrians and cyclists. Apply to your own protective light-colored clothing and reflective materials, “concludes Schneider.
Safety tips
Clothe yourself in twilight and in the dark as bright as possible!
Reflectors should radiate around to make pedestrians also visible from the side. They do not cost much and bring an enormous increase in safety at dusk and in the dark.
Reflective clothing alone is useless if you do not behave safety conscious!
Search on crossing always make eye contact with the driver!