Reflectors can save lives

Rain, snow and strong wind accompany us in the autumn and winter. Road conditions are considerably worse then. Although there are less than 40 days to the beginning of astronomical winter, it is worth taking care of your safety now.

As it gets darker and faster, remember about reflective vests. Thanks to them, pedestrians are visible from a greater distance. Even the youngest know it. “You can see us in the dark and the person is more visible,” says one of the students, “We are then more secure and visible,” his colleague adds.

Let’s also remember that outside the built-up area, we have a duty to have a reflective element. “Regulations impose an obligation on pedestrians who move outside built-up areas after dark. Then we have a duty to have a reflective material with us, ” informs Dolan, a spokesman for the police.

There may be a fine of 20 to 500 zlotys for breaking this provision. According to the police spokesman, a driver traveling at 80 or 90 km/h, there is no chance of slowing down and he notices the pedestrian practically at the time of the deduction. The situation is different when the pedestrian has a reflective tape on clothing. Then the driver sees a pedestrian from a distance of about 130 – 150 meters, which is five times faster. In other words, such a reflective element can save our lives.

Roadmaps should also be prepared for changing the conditions on the roads. It’s time to change tires. There is a major difference between the summer and winter tires on wet and slippery roads. “The summer tire, under the influence of low temperatures, hardens and becomes very slippery. The winter tire gives you a better grip. It has more incisions that drain the water squeezed out of the snow, and allow it to be pressed down on the ice.” explains Karakas.

Drivers should also remember to check the technical condition of their vehicle. When slippery roads are on the road, it is also worth maintaining a greater distance between cars.

The autumn and winter weather introduces many hazards on the roads. They affect both drivers and pedestrians. Although the regulations require to have a reflection in an undeveloped area, it is worth having such an element in any other situation. Drivers should also be more cautious with worse visibility and more difficult road conditions.