Month: July 2019

Reflective vests will be mandatory in Germany in July

After the adjustment of the points system in May and the number of fines, Germany is preparing another change in traffic regulations. Since July, drivers will have to wear reflective vests in cars, and there is a fine for breach of duty.

 

Including a mandatory vest in the car should improve the safety of drivers who, in the event of an accident or breakdown, have to get out of the car because the motorists will see them better in the surrounding vehicles. The new edit does not specify whether the reflective vest is orange, yellow or green.

 

Unlike Austria, German regulations will not require a vest for each passenger, one per vehicle will suffice. If the driver does not have a reflective vest with reflective tape in the car, he may be fined 15 euros during a road check.

 

Mandatory since January 2011

However, the German ADAC club points out that if the driver does not wear the vest when getting off the vehicle, the offense is not. But in that case, he is unlikely to be entitled to compensation from an insurance company if a passing car injures him.

 

Reflective vests are mandatory in the Czech Republic as of January 1, 2011. There must be at least one vest in the car, it can be placed anywhere in the vehicle. In France, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary, every vehicle occupant must have a reflective vest. One vest costs about 50 crowns, in some foreign countries reflective vests with reflective materials in green color, which use security forces (police, rescuers) are forbidden.

 

Reflective vests will be mandatory in Germany in July

Since July, drivers will have to wear reflective vests in Germany in cars, and there is a fine for breach of duty. On the same date, environmental rules for entry into some German cities are also tightening, with cars with red and yellow emission stickers no longer allowed.

 

Including a mandatory vest in the car should improve the safety of drivers who, in the event of an accident or breakdown, have to get out of the car because the motorists will see them better in the surrounding vehicles. The new edit does not specify whether the reflective vest with reflective tape is orange, yellow or green. Unlike Austria, German regulations will not require a vest for each passenger, one per vehicle will suffice.

 

If the driver does not have a reflective vest in the car, he may be fined 15 euros during a road check. However, the German ADAC club points out that if the driver does not wear the vest  with reflective material when getting off the vehicle, the offense is not. But in that case, he is unlikely to be entitled to compensation from an insurance company if a passing car injures him.

 

The rules for entering some German cities have also been tightened since July. While cars with three types of emission plaques have been able to do so until now, only vehicles with a green plaque, which designates the engine with the lowest environmental load, will now be allowed to enter. The measure covers 21 cities in the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia. A similar arrangement has been in place for some time, for example in Berlin.

 

The type of emission plaque is determined by the number of harmful substances that the vehicle emits into the atmosphere during operation. Petrol-powered cars launched in 1993, diesel-powered passenger cars launched in 2006, and trucks commissioned in October 2006 are also eligible for a green plaque.

 

In the Czech Republic, it is possible to obtain a plaque at most stations of technical inspection after presenting a large technical certificate. According to the Central Automobile Club of the Czech Republic, the price of the plaque is around CZK 300, its validity is not limited in time.

 

If a driver entered a defined low-emission zone without an emission plaque or with a worse grade than the city permits, he would face a fine of EUR 80.

Police actions to prevent accidents involving pedestrians

Over the coming week, road policemen across the country will step up their actions to prevent road accidents involving pedestrians!

 

The traffic police will act on a national level between 6 and 12 November, under the coordination of the Romanian Police Road Directorate, to save lives and to prevent road events involving pedestrians.

 

Activities are aimed primarily at combating pedestrian traffic violations.

 

Particular attention will be paid to areas with road potential risk as well as to those where road events occurred due to these deviations.

 

Romanian police recommend pedestrians:

To engage in crossing the public road only through the specially arranged places (on the pedestrian crossing) and in the green color of the electric traffic light, where there are.

 

To ensure that, even when crossing the pedestrian crossing, it can safely be crossed (the vehicles are stopped before the pedestrian marker, especially when the road has several lanes on the way).

 

Never cross the pedestrian marker, regardless of the emergency at any given time.

 

Not to move on the roadside, and where there is no pavement or paved road (predominantly in the countryside), move on the left side of the road as close as possible to the edge of the road.

 

In bad weather or dark, wear open-color reflective clothing and/or reflective materials and reflective fabrics to be visible.

 

Not to cross the front or back of public transport when they are stopped at the station.

 

Children should not be allowed to cross themselves – they are unpredictable and can not appreciate distances and speeds correctly. Do not forget! – children imitate the road behavior of adults.

 

Vehicle drivers must reduce travel speed and travel with great care.

So you protect your dog in the dark

To be seen can save lives. Not just your own, but also your dog’s. Here are the tips for you and your animal to be visible in the winter darkness.

 

Darkness, fog, and snowfall make it difficult to detect both humans and animals. In NT’s acclaimed reflex video it is clear how crucial a reflex can be. According to traffic safety organization NTF, you can be seen already at 125 meters with reflective tape, but only at 20 meters outside. This also applies to your dog, cat, horse or other pet.

 

“Many people make sure that they themselves have reflective vests, but often forget the dog,” says Erik Tjäder, owner of the Arken Zoo in Norrtälje.

 

There are a lot of different reflex models. But the most common for just dogs are necklaces and vest. The necklace can either blink or be made of reflective material.

 

“The advantage of those who flash is that the dog is visible without it being hit by light,” says Erik Tjäder who, however, recommends a combination of the two for optimal visibility.

 

It is also important that the reflections are visible from all directions. A reflective necklace that runs around the entire neck, instead of just one side, can be a good idea.

 

“Then you give the driver a chance to discover the animal,” says Erik Tjäder.

 

He also suggests that from time to time check that the reflections really work.

 

They can be worn by washing and weather and may need to be replaced.

Children are seen even in the dark and grubby weather

The dark season starts and it brings especially cloudy weather and poor visibility with it. Children are among the weakest road users in road traffic. They are particularly vulnerable if they are not sufficiently “visible” to other road users.

 

In order to be better seen in rain, fog or dusk, children should wear bright and contrasting clothing. The trade offers – quite practically – even jackets with reflective tapes. For jackets or vests without incorporated reflectors, reflective motifs can be ironed on later for little money.

 

Also, a good choice is reflective tapes that can be worn around wrists and ankles and are quickly put on when needed and find a jacket pocket.

 

For children who ride their bikes, there are even bicycle helmets that light up. Not to be forgotten is the control of lights and reflectors on the bike, which are often used in the dark season. Because: Especially with clip-on lights, after a long summer in which the lights were not needed, suddenly the battery is empty.

 

The school backpacks also have reflective materials. But if these are “pasted” with stickers, they do not serve road safety.

 

The classic “blinkers”, attached to jacket or bag, are often lost. This is also what Ulrike Margraf, Rector of the Westerhausen Primary School, stated: “They are quickly tearing down.”

 

That’s why the first graders of the school have been wearing bright yellow safety vests from the ADAC hooded for several years now. Not only are they pretty glaring and well visible a few meters away from other road users, but they also have reflective stripes and look pretty fragrant. The I-males from Westerhausen also find that. “The vest is cool,” the students have stated. Class teacher Cornelia Mandley has distributed the reflective vest a few days ago in her class. Almost all of the 20 children have been wearing the vest since then. With the traffic safety training at the elementary school, they become the right little traffic detectives. And that’s the way it should be in the best case.

 

At what time should the reflective vest be worn

Last Sunday the regulations began to work. However, the fines for cyclists for not wearing the reflective vest and the lack of a decree have generated doubts and inconveniences for users.

 

The law of road coexistence that began to rule this Sunday, November 11, has generated several doubts and some criticism from cyclists, who have been forced to get off the road and comply with some rules such as a reflective vest, despite that these provisions were already in force in the transit law.

 

According to what is established in law, it is the Ministry of Transport that has to issue a regulation with “the technical specifications of the safety elements for occupants of cycles, such as helmet, reflective elements, brakes, lights and other accessories of security”.

 

However, this regulation has not been issued yet, so that for the moment the provisions of the traffic law in this regard continue to apply.

 

What’s wrong with the reflective vest?

In article 6 of the regulations for bicycles established in Decree 116 of the current traffic law, “from half an hour after sunset, until half an hour before departure and every time the weather conditions require, the drivers of bicycles traveling on a public road must wear a reflective vest, harness or belt.”

 

That is to say, that its use is not necessary throughout the day, but only in the schedules established in the aforementioned standard.

 

Meanwhile, as for the other elements of security, while the new decree is not issued, what is stated in article 5: “every bicycle must be equipped with plastic plates or reflective tape on the front and rear edges of each pedal Likewise, these will be located on the front and rear forks or, in the form of a circular arc, on the spokes of each wheel, in any case, red or orange reflective material cannot be placed on the front fork. ”

 

Five tips for choosing good work clothes in construction

Protection on all fronts: that is the most important requirement for construction work clothing. Strong material that can take a beating, but at the same time is comfortable. Clothing that can be worn by weather and wind, no matter how cold it gets, but offers enough freedom of movement. What are you paying attention to? Proto gives five tips.

 

Proto knows what good work clothing must meet. Now that autumn is approaching, the company is sharing 5 tips for purchasing work clothes for the winter season.

 

  1. Wear clothing in layers

Wearing different layers of clothing ensures pleasant body temperature and prevents perspiration. This is a common and annoying problem because working on construction is strenuous and requires a lot of the body. Good work clothing protects the body against external and internal factors.

 

Good work clothing consists of:

 

A moisture-wicking substance on the skin, which absorbs perspiration

A fleece jacket or sweater that provides pleasant warmth

– water-resistant clothing

 

Perspiration moisture feels uncomfortable but is also unhealthy. The combination of moisture and cold makes people on the construction site more susceptible to diseases such as colds or flu. This is eliminated by the moisture-wicking layer. The water-repellent layer ensures that no moisture from outside enters the body so that your employees stay warm for a long time.

 

Of course, your employees can always adjust the number of layers to the situation. You can easily exchange a warm winter jacket for a sturdy softshell. And in extreme cold, wearing thermal underwear is an important extra layer that protects the body.

 

Wearing cold-resistant gloves, a hat and padded work shoes or work boots are additional measures for working safely outside during the winter season.

 

  1. Choose sustainable materials

There is sufficient work clothing for construction on the market, but not every material is the same. At Proto, we choose Cordura or kevlar workwear, two extremely strong fabrics that can withstand a lot and have a long life. This not only increases sustainability, but also the safety of your employees.

 

Pants with extra reinforcement on the knees or in the crotch increase the lifespan even more. In addition, comfort naturally also plays a major role in the purchase of work clothing. A lot of work is done on the knees in construction. Trousers with knee pockets in which knee pads can be placed provide optimum comfort and are certainly worth considering.

 

  1. Visibility

When people and machines work together, visibility is an absolute necessity. In bad weather, which often occurs in the winter, or night work, this is often mandatory. Visibility reflective clothing makes a direct contribution to safety on the construction site. Of course, you can opt for safety vests with reflective tapes, but when your employees come into contact with vehicles on the construction site more often or structurally, it makes sense to invest in clothing in which visibility is integrated. Your people forget their jacket less quickly than their jacket, so you minimize the risk of accidents.

 

  1. Choose suitable work clothing

Many workwear for construction consists of stretch elements. Ideal, because stretch gives a lot of freedom of movement, warmth and is comfortable. Because work clothing with stretch fits nicely to the body, it looks neat and trendy. Even more important is that well-connected clothing contributes to safety. Too wide sleeves give the risk of catching on something, this also applies to too wide or too long work trousers.

 

A fitting session for the right clothing size is a must when purchasing work clothing for construction. At Proto you not only have the option of an extensive fitting session for your employees, but you can also easily change the clothing. That way, no-one with inappropriate clothing will ever have to leave the building site.

 

  1. Take standards into account

The standards for work clothing may differ per construction site. Coordinate well with the client which standards must be met. Standards are important because they are directly related to the safety of your employees.

Road traffic reflective clothing in DIN standard wear

Reflective clothing makes cyclists and pedestrians more visible to motorists in the dark. When buying, attention should be paid to compliance with the DIN standard.

 

In winter, pedestrians and cyclists are better as visible as possible, so that motorists notice them in time. The Tüv Süd advises adding reflective material on clothing and safety accessories.

 

Buyers should pay attention to the standard DIN EN 13356. The surfaces on school bags, in turn, bear the designation DIN 58124. Anyone who wears a safety vest over their clothing as a cyclist uses products with the EN ISO 20471 standard. Anyone wearing clothing with such reflective tape can be seen at a distance of up to 140 meters.

Reflective gadgets can save a runner’s life!

Poles are becoming more and more active. Negative temperatures, darkness, even rain cannot draw thousands of countrymen away from their daily training. Movement before work or after returning home is the best way to rest and take a distance are professional issues. Who moves, gains strength, good figure and well-being. Unfortunately, it is still too rare when thinking about your own safety to make a dispute. Although active people have already learned how to choose the right clothing and shoes for maximum comfort and protection against injuries, the need to ensure proper visibility after dark is still neglected.

 

“Cyclists and runners often move in city traffic. Dark tracksuit and adverse weather conditions make them almost invisible to drivers after dark. Even at low speed, the braking distance is long enough that it does not allow the driver to perform any maneuver that avoids the accident. The use of reflective vest improves visibility from 30-40 m to even 150 m. Thanks to this, the driver has time to slow down or pass a pedestrian or a cyclist,” says Aneta Niciak from the online store with reflexive accessories.

 

Reflections and legal regulations

Not everyone knows that wearing reflective vests after dark is mandatory outside built-up areas, and for their lack, the police can impose a mandate up to 500 PLN. However, it is not a vision of punishment, and care for safety should lead athletes or their friends (or loved ones) to purchase a wristband. Christmas is a traditional period when we look for gifts. By buying reflectors or LED accessories you can be sure that it will be a good gift that will please the recipient and will definitely be used.

 

There is a whole group of universal reflectors available on the market for people practicing sports such as self-tightening straps, reflective braces, warning vests, reflective T-shirts, reflective caps made from reflective fabric. For runners, cyclists and Nordic walking enthusiasts, you can choose dedicated reflective gadgets that take into account the needs of each of these groups of athletes.

 

Reflectors for runners

The basic reflective equipment for the runner can be a reflective t-shirt with reflective tapes, luminous shoelaces and LED overlays for shoes. Such a set can be supplemented with a reflective tube, which is very popular due to its multiple uses. You can make a balaclava, shawl, tie on the wrist, use it as a hair band or a headband. Runners will also need a flexible reflective band and a sachet for keys or a telephone. Fashionably, safely and practically – high-quality reflective products will be useful for every active person.

 

Reflectors for cyclists

Cyclists can successfully use reflective gadgets for runners. However, they should also focus on equipping with the reflections of the bicycle. “The basic thing is a flag. In addition to her, it is worth thinking about an LED pad mounted on silicone hooks. It’s a great product. It is visible even from 400 m and can be hung on a frame, basket or wheel. For cyclists, there are also balls and sticks for spokes and various LED bicycle lamps,” adds Niciak.

 

Reflective Gadgets for those who practice Nordic walking

This group of sports people must have well visible clothing in the first place. For them, various reflective T-shirts, softshell jackets and various useful finer gadgets are designed. A good gift can be, for example, a reflective cover for a mobile phone, a set of reflective clips on the leg or multicolored bands.

 

Reflectors are essential for athletes, but they are really useful to us all. The self-locking band can be tucked into a bag and quickly attached if necessary. Children will be happy with a pendant or a reflective key ring. Such inexpensive and aesthetically made little things are worth adding Santa to the gift bag.

Reflective vests – it’s worth having one in the glove compartment

In Poland, passenger car drivers do not have to have them, but they should. They cost only PLN 7-10, and they can save a life. In most European countries, reflective vests are mandatory equipment for cars and trucks (in some also motorcycles).

 

From July 1, the obligation to wear a reflective vest was introduced in Germany. Its absence means a fine of 15 euros. The obligation applies only to the drivers of cars registered in Germany, but for the sake of their own safety, it is worthwhile to respect it also with us.

 

In countries where reflective vests are compulsory, they must be worn whenever the driver and passengers have to leave the vehicle, like as a result of a breakdown or accident, on a highway or other road – except of course parking lots.

 

Reflective vests with reflective materials are already valid in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (applies to foreigners), Croatia, Finland (you can have reflective tapes), France, Spain, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and in Italy.

 

The regulations are not uniform – in one country one reflective vest in a car is enough, in others, all passengers must have it. In some countries, this obligation also applies to motorcyclists and cyclists, if they travel on roads after dusk.

 

Reflective vests – better to have than not to have

So what to do with a vest when planning a trip abroad? We advise you not to look for loopholes and use the maximum variant – take as many retro-reflective vests as possible for the number of passengers traveling.

 

The reflective vest costs from 7 to 10 zlotys. You can buy it at every gas station, in supermarkets, on the Internet. Let’s just remember to meet the norm – reflective vests are allowed in 3 colors: yellow, orange or red-orange. It must also have 2 reflective tapes at the front and back.

 

When buying a vest, do not forget about children, in the event of a car breakdown or an accident, they will be particularly vulnerable. Reflective vests must be carried in the cabin of the car, and not – as most drivers do – in the trunk. The point is to be able to put on a vest before leaving the car.

 

We would also like to remind you: in the event of a breakdown or accident, a warning triangle should be put in front of the car, passengers should get out of the car not on the road, only on the right side, on the roadside. It is not allowed to stay on the road without having to go down to the side or the barrier as soon as possible.