Month: December 2018

Everything for a safe way to school

For the fourth time, the beginning of the school year will be marked by prevention with the road safety campaign “Red stands, the child goes”. The children learn to walk across the street only when the wheels of the vehicle are stationary. Of course, the handlebars are also encouraged to complete. However, it is not always easy to notice the silhouette of a child in the rain or at dawn. That’s why visibility is very important. Since 2013, the TCS has already distributed half a million safety vests to first graders.

Just in time for the start of school in 2018, the road safety campaign “Red stands, the child goes” starts. It is supported by the TCS, the Accident Prevention Service, and police, which work locally with the communities and schools. A successful campaign because it is perceived and understood by more than 90 percent of motorists. Nevertheless dangerous situations arise daily because the children are seen too late.

The risk of not being seen is higher in the early morning and at night than during the day. It even multiplies by a factor of 10 in rain or snow. In the dark, an automobile driver only recognizes a person in dark clothing at a distance of 25 meters – this can be too late, depending on the situation. If this person wears reflective clothing, it can be perceived from a distance of 140 meters. This enables road users to react in good time.

Half a million safety vests soon to be distributed in order to help children see them better and faster on their way to school, the TCS has been distributing around 140,000 reflective triangles every year to kindergarten teachers and pupils aged four to seven years. This action is funded by the Road Safety Fund. Since 2013, TCS has been distributing 80,000 safety vests throughout Switzerland for the larger primary school pupils (eight to nine years). In total, there will be nearly half a million West this year, distributed by the TCS sections in cooperation with public authorities, to increase security.

Trendy clothing and accessories for the bigger ones, of course, the fashion industry has not missed the fact that the safety vest does not inspire everyone. That is why the TCS and the police have been using the MADE VISIBLE campaign for a year to encourage people to wear clothes and accessories with reflective materials. This label will be visible on all new uniforms of the school traffic service in the future. The mission of this service is to ensure the safety of children on the way to school. Co-financed by the German Road Safety Fund, this year around 3000 safety vests, 1000 jackets, and 3500 caps will be distributed to the transport helpers throughout Switzerland.

Police point to well visible clothing

In recent days, two pedestrians have been victims of a traffic accident. Both were caught crossing the road on a pedestrian crossing of a car and injured. Especially during the winter months, it is important that pedestrians are clearly visible.

During the twilight and the night, but also in fog, rain or snow, dark-clad persons are often overlooked by the motorized road users. This leads to avoidable traffic accidents. In a press release, the police ask pedestrians and cyclists to make themselves visible so as not to fall victim of a traffic accident.

Motor vehicle drivers are also in the duty. If they adopt the speed to the light, vision and road conditions, driving ahead and are particularly careful in the area of pedestrian traffic, they can make a significant contribution to preventing traffic accidents.

Here are some tips from the Police Canton to pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle drivers:

Pedestrian

Wear bright and reflective dresses or reflective vests. Also recommended are reflective bands on the arms and legs as well as the attachment of sole flares;

Never cross the road by surprise. Always make sure that they are seen by the vehicle driver before entering the pedestrian zone – look for eye contact;

Prefer to renounce the right of priority rather than to face the danger of being overlooked and hit by a vehicle driver.

Cyclist

Check lighting and reflectors before each ride;

Mount spoke reflectors;

Wear reflective clothing with reflective fabric or luminous vest;

Drive ahead in order to recognize possible dangerous situations early on.

Motor vehicle drivers

Adapt speed to light, visibility and road conditions;

Drive ahead in order to recognize possible dangerous situations early on;

Switch on dipped beam early. The daytime running lights are not enough at night, in poor visibility and in the tunnel. In the case of daytime running lights, the tail lights usually do not light up.

Keep all windows clean, completely free from ice and snow to ensure a good all-around visibility;

Exercise cautions in the area of pedestrians reduce speed if necessary and prepare for braking.

What safety equipment for a balance bike?

Cycling cannot do without safety equipment. Even before protecting, they reassure children and parents in the practice of two-wheelers. It is also thanks to them that your little one will take confidence in him. Which are the obligatory ones and those strongly recommended? We list them for you.

No practice of the bike without a helmet. Since 2015, the law obliges road users under 12 to equip them. Whether driver or passenger. And if it’s never easy to get it to the little ones, put it on as soon as possible, so that it can be likened to two-wheeled outings. Subsequently, he can even equip himself to make him responsible.

Beyond the safety aspect, the wearing of the helmet will give him confidence. This protection takes away the apprehension he may have when taking speed on his two-wheeler. To facilitate the appropriation of this equipment for your child, choose a model that pleases him. Manufacturers have integrated this data and are redoubling their efforts to make children’s helmets attractive.

The baby helmet Purple star smiley fits head from 45 to 50 centimeters, from about 8 months to 3 years. It has good foam reinforcements, reflective tape, and insect protection. Pretty colors, childish illustrations: its look will appeal to children. They can proudly display it in the parks.

What about the wearing of the bike safety vest

The wearing of the safety vest is not mandatory on a two-wheeler. Nevertheless, his purchase can be very useful. This equipment is primarily used to make visible its wearer with its reflective strips, whether on a balance bike or sitting in the child seat on the mother’s bike. At the park, you can easily follow him in his frantic races and especially, the others will see him. The vest is even more important if you are doing part of the “playground – home” journey on a sidewalk, along a road, or on a path frequented by cyclists. In winter, with the decline in brightness, its port becomes unavoidable. The Child Safety Vest with reflective material is for children ages 3 to 16 with XS to L models.

It is much less difficult for the child to wear a protective vest than to put on the helmet. He does not interfere with his movements and allows him to differentiate himself from other children. He may even be jealous of the courtyards of buildings or public gardens.

Buying it at the same time as a bike without a learning pedal can kill two birds with one stone since it can be used on the parents’ bike and even later when the child starts to ride a bike.

Another essential equipment for cycling without a pedal: closed shoes and pants. In order to better prevent injuries, remember to dress your child so that it is comfortable but also so that it does not lose a shoe along the way. Privileged closed shoes, therefore and pants in case of fall. And for parents, sneakers! Your child will progress quickly on the wheel of his learning bike. He begins to draw turns and better control his speed in relation to the environment around him through a better perception of space. He also assures himself in descents and begins to experience new sensations for his greatest pleasure. This can lead to some impromptu races for parents watching him. Pumps or flip-flops are to be put aside when exits balance for more adequate shoes.

And a little advice from parents to parents: a tip that has been proven to prevent falls. You can slip a scarf or a large scarf under your child’s arms and hold it high to assist in the first few meters or to prevent it from falling. Just like vests with handles in the back, it saves you from staying long with your back leaning and allows you to have a grip on your child.

To share the fun of the child on his two-wheelers, parents can accompany them on their bike. An activity that promises real moments of complicity for the joy of the little one who loves to imitate the big people. However, it is better to do this once the child’s balance is well developed and the learning phase is out of date. On the bike, it is more difficult to intervene with the child. However, by being close to him physically, you can more easily suggest him to stop.

The helmet is the only compulsory equipment for the practice of a two-wheeler for a child. You can complete the outfit with a safety vest especially if your little one rolls on a sidewalk or in the middle of other bikes. Do not forget the equipment for you, in order to follow the racing bike to the rhythm of its progression whether it is in running or cycling.

Be visible on the road, especially now

After dark, which falls in the autumn and winter much earlier, we should pay special attention to whether we are visible on the road as pedestrians or cyclists. Reflective fabrics of clothing or special gadgets placed next to the purse or backpack give the driver a signal to slow down and keep a safe distance. The mysterious test manikin Jan, circling the streets of the city, resembles the importance of this to residents.

Jan’s test dummy is the “mascot” of the “Think Before You Drive” campaign addressed to kindergarten children and primary school students, in which children learn how to be safe on the road. This time you can meet him on the streets, not only in the company of children but also adults, cyclists, walkers or runners. It reminds them of the importance of reflective materials after dark and hands them over to passers-by so that they always have them with them.

Behind the whole action is the factory Bridge-stone, which for 10 years has been looking after the safety of the youngest, conducting educational campaigns throughout Greater Poland. Thanks to it, over 40,000 children took part in security workshops. This time, however, the factory decided to take care not only about children but also adults and seniors.

“It’s good that Jan is! I always tell my grandson to wear reflective vests on himself, and he is not an example. Jan gave me a reflective band and I promise to wear it,” says Biro, who met Jan on the way to shopping.

Let’s talk about security

Classes with the charges of the “Albert” Day Home Stay were led by a policewoman. A talk was about various situations that everyone might encounter about their own safety.

Asp. Isabella visited today (04.12) DDP “Albert” charges. The subject of the meeting was various types of fraud methods. To warn the regulars of the house how the scammers work, the police officer presented films prepared by the Provincial Police Headquarters in Bydgoszcz. They show the methods of action of the perpetrators of fraud “on granddaughter, policeman or officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation”. The discussion that accompanied the meeting consisted of the analysis of the reflective material viewed and a discussion on how to deal with someone who came across such a case.

Moving on the roads was another topic of the meeting and circumstances and causes of road events. Out of concern for your safety on the roads, it is worth having reflective vests. That is why the mentees were equipped with reflective tapes by a policewoman. The meeting also had a workshop part, because the participants had the opportunity to solve the crossword, which the policewomen brought for them. The crossword related to traffic regulations and general rules of conduct in the situation of threats.

To protect yourself from the dead angle

Eye contact at traffic lights and intersections is very important.

In recent weeks, several accidents have occurred, in which cyclists were hit by cars and trucks. One reason: especially truck drivers overlook the cyclists when turning because they are in the dead corner. According to police, this was the reason for the serious accident on Friday afternoon at the junction B 437, in which a 49-year-old had been seriously injured.

What can be cyclists and car and truck drivers do to prevent such accidents? The “nonprofit asked the police. “The so-called dead angle is a very dangerous condition for all involved in road traffic,” warns spokeswoman Andrea: “He can create dangerous situations and in the worst case lead to a traffic accident.” Here are some tips from the police, the general nature, however also specifically aimed at truck and bus drivers:

For motorists

Always use the shoulder view before turning and changing lanes and use existing mirrors.

When waiting at intersections, keep an eye on the right-hand edge of the road and existing footpaths and cycle paths during the red phase.

At intersections, make eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians who ride on parallel paths – this also goes through the rearview mirror.

When getting out of a parked car, with the view of the shoulder, make sure that the door can be opened safely.

For truck and bus drivers

Bend slowly and keep an eye on the parallel and intersecting bicycle and pedestrian paths.

For truck drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, it always makes sense in intersections to assure each other that you can see each other – preferably through direct eye contact with other road users.

Turn off only when you are 100% sure that no one else is at risk. Your mirrors will help you.

For cyclists / pedestrians

Stay clearly visible at intersections, or stay far to the right of a vehicle and wait until it is completely turned off.

In the “dark season” as well as in bad weather reflective materials or reflective tapes should be attached to the clothing.

For bicycles, functioning lighting and reflective vests are particularly important.

At a red light, you should wait behind a waiting bus or truck.

If pedestrians or cyclists cannot see the driver of a truck or bus through its mirror, they too will not be seen.

In unclear traffic situations, you prefer to forego your own prerogative. This way an accident can be avoided.

When parking vehicles, keep a sufficient distance and make sure that doors can open unexpectedly.

Warm up and do not put on too warm

The days are getting colder – the fall has Germany firmly under control. With the right equipment, however, jogging or cycling does not have to be abandoned. Some tips:

Warm up properly: if you come from heated rooms for the sport outside, the organism must first adjust to the low temperatures. Those who start with full intensity immediately inhale the cold air too quickly and risk irritating the pharynx, bronchi, and lungs. This increases the risk of cold. Muscles and joints also take longer to reach operating temperature. Therefore, warm up for five to ten minutes before going to the spot and then get into the usual training.

Do not wear too warm: many recreational athletes dress in winter weather too warm. Athletes dress best in wind or minus degrees according to the three-layer principle: functional underwear, a warm insulating layer such as fleece, which stores no moisture, and a protective layer. This can be, for example, a breathable windbreaker that lets moisture escape from the inside out, but keeps out wind, rain, and snow. Cotton clothing is not suitable because it stores the sweat and cools the athlete faster.

Protecting the head, feet, and hands: It is also advisable to wear a hat, scarf and light gloves because people lose about 40 percent of their body heat over the head and neck. If you ride a bike in winter, you have to protect your hands and feet well against the cold, otherwise, you will soon become numb. In the hands, lined and windproof gloves are a must. Two pairs of socks only help when the shoe is not too tight because the air between the foot and the shoe is insulating. Also neoprene overshoes and breathable rain pants help against freezing temperatures.

Reflective safety clothing: Light and reflective clothing with reflective fabric increase safety for joggers and cyclists. A bright yellow or orange safety vest can also help cyclists feel better in traffic.

Sufficient light on the bike: the bike should be easily recognizable in the dark, both through its own lighting and through reflectors. In addition, this can have expensive consequences in accidents.

Slowing down the speed of biking: With slippery paving, snow, and ice, the risk of falls for cyclists is generally high. Cyclists should definitely slow the pace and neither corner nor break in curves. Also for bicycles, there are now special winter tires and provided with metal pins road spikes. If you also set the saddle a few centimeters lower, you can quickly get in touch with both feet if necessary.

Strengthen the immune system: last but not least, regular exercise such as walking, running or cycling in the cold season not only strengthens the immune system and protects against infections but also helps against the mood low in the dark season. Sport and exercise in the fresh air to stimulate the production of the stimulating hormone serotonin and the circulation. Even in gray, cloudy skies, natural daylight is three to four times as strong as room lighting. Experts advise going outside for half an hour if possible.

Let us shine

Fashion is the opposite of eternity. But perhaps you can extend your own life a few days to eternity with the supposedly fashionable aspect of wearing a reflective vest.

Signal vests are not a fashion accessory. In contrast, they have the potential to do so in the dark season.

Maybe it’s the age that makes people shine, and the concomitant, at best eventually, maturity. However, this does not mean – not that we misunderstand – this prudent and mild radiance of advanced age, that wise, benevolent smile and shining deep inside that finds its source somewhere between heart and stomach and soul.

Meant is this bright orange in the deep street canyons of our city, and the flashing yellow with reflective tapes, which I now daily on the way to work to make me visible and at any cost, and that, although I deny myself any fashion conventions.

Safety vest over everyday clothing, tentatively fluttering in the wind, the elaborate test method of the European standard more than enough (at least the sewn hint), always committed to safety, always reflective, orange and yellow.

Because, quite honestly, back then, as a young road user, I just got on my bike. Dressed in black and thus almost invisible when it was still dark in the morning or the day did not really want to get really bright before clouding winter weather. As a cyclist swallowed by the darkness, thoughtless from today’s perspective, headless, daring even. Youngster just.

At some point, however, he then began, this desire for being seen, this desire for visibility far beyond the own driver, ignoring fashionable aspects, harshly thrown overboard, the own Rader-I ridicule of ridicule in orange.

And maybe it actually has something to do with age, with the onset of awareness of finiteness, always smiling softly on my porter with me driving through the deep street canyons of the city and whispering to me from behind that only survives, the most widely seen becomes.

“Take care of yourself,” whispered the reason, “take good care of yourself and shine well.” The reason, then, as the key to wearing the safety vest according to DIN EN ISO 20471, which, if you look around in today’s traffic once attentive, actually appears more often, in cyclists, pedestrians, dogs, the walk in the dark park.

But not because, as of July 2014, they must be carried by law in passenger cars, trucks, semitrailer tractors, multi-axle tractors and buses and coaches that are to be put into service on public roads.

In more and more countries is now the permanent wearing of safety vests on the bike duty. And while discussions are continuing in Germany about the introduction of safety vests for cyclists, in France the vest for pedals is already an integral part of the garment, at night or in bad weather, even during the day outside closed villages. Failure to comply with the prescribed duty must be considered as a fine.

But this should be taken into account: recent studies from the United Kingdom and the United States prove that wearing a signal vest does not increase the safety of the cyclist, the warning function in the general night glare of urban traffic even rather go down.

So maybe it’s the only subjective sense of security that gives me a beloved vest and makes sense, at least to me, as well as to all the other cyclists and pedestrians and dogs in the dark park, who meet me dressed in safety vests with reflective materials, and because it makes us shine. In orange and warn yellow vest in the deep street canyons of this city.

Difficult conditions on the roads

A layer of ice that is hard to see on the roads can be found – warns the National Police Headquarters and appeals to drivers for caution. Police officers also remind you to wear reflective vests.

Kory from the Traffic Department of the Police Headquarters appealed to the drivers to remember that due to large temperature jumps, a thin, hard to notice the layer of ice may be found on the roads.

“It’s worth every now and again, especially on a longer route, outside the city, slow down and check whether the surface has any grip,” said Kory.

He also reminded that especially in the autumn and winter, wearing reflective vests with reflective tapes by pedestrians and cyclists can save their lives.

“Every participant of the road traffic, in particular, an unprotected participant in traffic should remember that it is very difficult to see his silhouette in the conditions we currently have, such persons should wear reflective materials” emphasizes Kory.

“shined example” with policemen

Adam Mayes helped the policemen in the action “To be an example”, which promotes the safety of pedestrians. He talked to passers-by and urged you to use the reflective vests that he handed to them personally.

Police remind reflections to save lives. “Invisible” pedestrians are a plague of Polish roads.

“The image of the master helps a lot in promoting the improvement of pedestrian safety in our region. Adam Mayes together with uniforms participated in the patrol, during which he handed vests and reflective elements, talked with pedestrians and convinced that it is worth to shine with an example” said a spokesman of the police, Krzysztof.

The policeman emphasized that the use of the reflective element (like reflective material, reflective tape for clothing) makes the pedestrian visible to other road users from a much greater distance. Thanks to this, the driver has much more time to react and safely bypass it.

“It is worth noting that this unusual patrol controlled pedestrians after dark, in places where visibility of walking people is poor. Passers-by, instructed by Adam Mayes, was positively surprised by a direct meeting with the master. They were also happy to receive and use reflections. Of course, there were souvenir photos.” said Krzysztof.

The policeman is reminded that Polish ski jumper, multiple world champion, and medalist of the Olympic Games, has been supporting police actions aimed at improving safety for a decade.

“The master from the Vistula himself sees a great need to improve safety among pedestrian road users. During the action with the highway, he mentions how, returning from the competition, he nearly hit a man who walked along the side and was completely invisible. Since then, he has paid close attention to pedestrians. This situation also made him realize that it’s only a second that someone would lose their lives. ” said Krzysztof Pawley.

The policemen use every opportunity to reach the largest possible group of people and convince them that security depends mostly on themselves. The neighborhoods meet with children in schools and provide them with reflective elements, obtained thanks to the support of local governments.

In this year once again, together with Caritas, they run the Diocese with the campaign “Be an example! Not only in Advent!”. They visit churches and after the rats, which often come grandparents and grandmothers with grandchildren, explain that wearing retro-reflective clothing is the basis for pedestrian safety.