For the first time, “Days of Visibility” took place in Brandenburg from 6 to 8 November. Called the network traffic safety Brandenburg and the forum traffic safety of the country Brandenburg had called. With more than 100 actions in front of schools, train stations, and other frequented places, pedestrians and cyclists were advised on the topic “Better visibility in the dark season” on foot.
In the spa town and district town cyclists and road users who were traveling on foot, among others in the crossing area and road of the unit on dangers in the dark season pointed. At dawn and at night, the risk of accidents is three times higher than during the day.
Marie Hench from the Traffic Safety Network said: “We would like to point out that pedestrians and cyclists can actively do something for their own safety. Equipped with reflective materials and good lighting on the bike, it is noticeable to drivers in the dark much sooner. Someone wearing reflective vest can be seen from a distance of up to 140 meters, while a person in dark clothes can only be seen from about 25 meters away. ”
In order to be able to convey the problem to children, in particular, the Traffic Safety Network had developed a mascot specifically for the campaign. So with Mole Claus, the topic could also be taught in a child-friendly way. The mole, which was equipped with a warning vest, graced the action posters and the accompanying information leaflet. “The mole cannot see well and because of its size and way of life it is not well visible to others – this is the quality it shares with pedestrians and cyclists traveling in the dark. For his own safety, Claus wears a safety vest with reflective tape for clothing, which makes him an excellent spectator. We especially recommend cyclists to follow suit, “continued Hench.
Against the background that about 850 walking in the state of Brandenburg and 2,800 cyclists in road accidents, appealed Kerstin from the Forum Road Safety: “Walking and cycling are often overlooked easily. Anyone who makes himself visible can reduce his or her accident risk. “Experts predict that the number of serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and cyclists on the road could be reduced by around 50 percent if they were more visible. Appropriate options, from light clothing to reflective stripes on clothing or bicycles, were highlighted in the campaign.
State Secretary Ines Jesse from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Planning added: “The dark season is upon us, which most people notice only after the time change. Then it is necessary to be particularly attentive since the accident risk rises on dark, wet roads. Especially in this time, our protection (b) angels of the road safety campaign “Dear sure. Dear Life. “Also in the nightclubs of the country to draw attention to these dangers. I am all the more pleased that there is such a large stake in the first nationwide “Visibility Days”. It shows that the committed actors of the network traffic safety Brandenburg and the forum traffic safety of the country Brandenburg make an important contribution for more traffic safety. Thank you very much to everyone. ”
Katrina Lange of the Ministry of the Interior and of the Municipal Council, in turn, advises all motorized road users: “In autumn the days are getting shorter and the twilight and dusk periods longer. Being good to see and see means more security. Therefore, the lighting system of the car should be checked in time. These include low beam, high beam, and daytime running lights, fog lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Anyone traveling with a poor lighting system not only endangers themselves but also increases the risk of accidents for others.
The “Days of Visibility” were funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Planning and the Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg. The actions were organized and implemented by regional actors, including the police, community and city administrations, and local traffic guards. The campaign was supported by the ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, the DEKRA Automobile GmbH and the traffic safety campaigns “Dear sure. Dear Life “and” Get Off the Gas “.