Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable on the road. Last year 112 died in accidents, 65 of them at night. Drivers usually admit that they have not seen them at all. Bright clothing and reflective tapes greatly increase visibility and can save lives. In stores, however, want those that meet the standards and at night you will not betray the road
Last year 65 people died on the roads at night. Dark clothes without significant reflective elements and, also, the seasons of darkening faster are one of the greatest dangers in road traffic.
“We can increase the visibility in traffic on pedestrian roads as well as cyclists or motorcyclists by suitably colored clothes and accessories made of fluorescent and mainly reflective materials. We should always do everything possible to be as visible as possible,” Martin Farář from BESIP appeals.
It does not have to be a reflective vest, which discourages many pedestrians as an accessory to clothing. “A reflective tape is enough. Ideally around the ankle and wrist, always on the roadside,” adds Farář.
“We found it better to move the light area,” says Robert Šťastný of the ŠKODA Road Safety Research Team. “Reflective elements are better to have on the limbs we move than on the body or backpack,” he adds.
However, not all tapes and patches are of sufficient quality and will provide pedestrians on the road at night with the services expected of them. The parish priest pointed out that there were products on our market that did not have the necessary properties. When purchasing, it must be ensured that the retro-reflective materials are labeled by European standards.
White clothing driver records from 55 meters
How does the color of clothing affect the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists? The man in the blue driver records up to a distance of 18 meters, the red-dressed increases this distance to 24 meters. If a pedestrian or cyclist dresses in yellow, the driver can see it from 37 meters and the white clothing can be seen from 55 meters.
But even such a distance may not be enough. If a car is traveling at a speed of 75 kilometers per hour and although the driver is bright, it takes about 1.5 seconds to respond to pedestrians or cyclists. During that time he will travel another 31 meters and he has only 24 meters left to avoid a collision.
Fluorescent materials increase the contrast of pedestrians or cyclists to the background and extend the distance the driver can notice. But they only increase visibility during the day and at dusk, losing their function in the dark. Reflective tapes and patches are visible to the driver from a distance of 200 meters and the driver has enough time to react.
“The principle of seeing and being seen still applies. All road users must ensure their safety. In the case of drivers, this may include the use of a mandatory safety vest in the event of an incident and subsequent movement on the road. The seeming little thing that can decide on pedestrian health in low visibility is a suitable reflective accessory to clothing,” confirms Tomáš Lerch, Director of Traffic Police.
“Glue” the kids and the bike
Children are the most vulnerable in road traffic. They must be as clear as possible on the road and sidewalk. Get them bright clothes with reflective fabrics, as well as briefcases and shoes.
Reflective elements are also necessary on the bike. The front white reflector, the red and orange rear reflectors on the pedals and the spokes are mandatory for cyclists. Reflective elements on boots, helmet and jersey or clothing provide increased safety. In fog or poor visibility, the front wheel must have a white headlamp and a steady red flashing light at the rear.