Month: December 2019

Changes for drivers: New rules for first aid kits and mandatory equipment

Mandatory equipment and first-aid kits will change from 1st October. You no longer need to carry bulbs or fuses in your car. First-aid kits will be valid even after their expiration and they will disappear, for example, a three-pointed scarf or drape. What other changes await us? Lenka Rezková, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Transport, replied on Friday’s Breakfast with Nová.

As of 1 October 2018, there is a change in the mandatory equipment of vehicles and medicine kits. The main changes include keeping the medicine chest after the expiration date. “The main change is that drivers will no longer have to change their medicine chest because of expiration. This means that those who have their medicine chest in their car, have it closed so they can keep it there without any problems, “said Lenka Rezkova.

So far, we have had to change the medicine chest after the expiration of the expiry date. However, the Ministry of Transport, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, decided that this was no longer mandatory. “If all medical materials are intact, they are fine and can be used without any problem in a car accident,” Rezkova added.

For example, you no longer need to carry a three-pointed scarf or a plastic mask in the medicine cabinet. There were no other things. “There won’t be three things in the medicine cabinet. It will be a three-pointed scarf, a patch with a cushion, and there may not be a plastic drape. There is nothing to add, “said Rezkova.

The change also applies to the mandatory equipment of the vehicle. Only the reflective vest and the warning triangle remain in it. Conversely, you do not need bulbs or fuses. “As far as mandatory equipment is concerned, the rule remains that there is a reflective vest with reflective tape and also a warning triangle. These things must be kept there. But what is changing and quite important is that people no longer have to carry fuses and also spare bulbs,” Rezkova said.

Newly, the driver does not have to carry a spare tire. “As for the spare tire reserve, if a puncture becomes a defect, drivers who have a car equipped with an emergency tire will no longer have to carry the spare tire. drivers who will have an agreed assistance service throughout the Czech Republic, who will replace their tire just in case of a puncture, “Rezková added.

The ministry is trying to make it easier for drivers to keep things from being unnecessary. “We are trying to make life easier for drivers so that they do not have to carry things in their cars that are not needed there at the moment. The fuses and the bulbs are mainly because the cars are at a different technical level than was a few years ago and many drivers are already leaving the replacement of both fuses and light bulbs at service experts, “Rezkova explained.

It is advisable to have a reflective vest in your car so that we do not get off the highway without it in the event of an accident. Ideally, anyone traveling in the car could have it in the car. “As for the reflective vest, nothing changes. We should all have a reflective vest. For safety reasons, it’s good to have it with you in the car. Somewhere on the left side of the driver, the right side of the passenger they did not have to look anywhere in the car, do not put God somewhere in the trunk when we have to climb the highway, but really to have it on hand and when we have a vest for every member we carry, it is good, “added Rezková.

One reflective vest in the car is sometimes not enough

Traffic accidents have increased significantly in recent days. The driver was often surprised by bad weather. But how to behave when leaving the vehicle outside the village or in a crash?

Frost, mists, ice – this is the last day’s weather. And many drivers have experienced how they can torment themselves. However, if you become involved in an accident or if your car breaks down on the road, you should follow certain rules, otherwise, you are also subject to a fine!

Sometimes a reflective vest is not enough

In the Czech Republic, the law mandates to have one reflective vest in the car – for the driver. If your car breaks down or crashes, you have to put it on when you leave the car; this obligation does not apply to other passengers. But under the new rules, they must not be left completely without security elements.

The driver must wear a reflective vest, but if the rest of the passengers move on an unlit road outside the village, they must be equipped with reflective material elements, “says the trainer drivers Jaroslav Honshu. There is a fine of up to two thousand crowns for breaking the regulations.

In some cases, the rest of the crew must have a reflective vest, both in terms of company vehicles and employee transport. “Any employee who enters the road to repair a car must move around the car in a reflective safety vest,” explains Hons’ government decree, according to which the employer is obliged to secure a sufficient number of vests. “They can either be stored in the car or the employee can fascinate them before boarding the car,” he adds.

Czech regulations do not specify where a reflective vest with reflective tape must be stored. Drivers can keep it in the cabin of the car, but also the trunk. But be careful abroad. “In some neighboring states there is a condition that the reflective vest must be placed within the driver’s reach, it is not stipulated in our country,” adds Honsů. Abroad, you have to watch the mandatory equipment, which is often different from the Czech.

In particular, pedestrians and cyclists risk death because they are not visible

The early arrival of darkness combined with drizzle, rain or even fog is not a very pleasant experience behind the wheel. Also, an unlit pedestrian or cyclist in a place where it cannot be expected is suddenly turned into real trouble. Many pedestrians risk their lives only for convenience.

There are serious road accidents every day on the roads. Many of them are caused by poor visibility. In low visibility, they are the most vulnerable pedestrians. Drivers who hurt pedestrians or cyclists agree that they have not seen him at all or too late. Cars and motorcycles, as well as cyclists, must shine, pedestrians are not required to do so. For greater safety, pedestrians should use primarily reflective materials, which make them visible well in advance and others can respond to them in time.

Abroad, reflective elements have saved many lives

Foreign experience shows that reflective elements can reduce pedestrian participation in a fatal accident by up to ten times in poor visibility. In other words, 10% of pedestrians would have a chance to survive, and this percentage is even higher for cyclists – up to 30% of cyclists could live if they were sufficiently visible. That is why pedestrians and cyclists must use reflective vests or other reflective elements that increase road safety.

A series of tests have shown that if a person wearing dark, such as blue clothes is on the road, the driver can record it at a distance of 18 meters. It is better, for example, with the yellow color of the clothes, when the pedestrian is recorded at a distance of 37 meters, in white the driver can see it at 55 meters. But even this distance is not sufficient at night to safely avoid pedestrians. Pedestrians should therefore always have an element on their clothing that would make them more visible. For example, fluorescent materials are available – they increase visibility in daylight and dusk but lose their function in the dark. The most commonly used colors are bright yellow, green and orange. It is preferable to use reflective materials – they reflect light in a narrow cone to the source, up to a distance of about 200 meters. They significantly increase visibility in the dark and in reduced visibility. Reflective material is visible at night 3 times greater than white clothing and more than 10 times greater than blue clothing.

It is best to place objects made of reflective materials at the end of the sleeves, close to the knees and at the waist level (cyclists also wear helmets and bikes, for example). Children can then get clothes that are already equipped with elements of reflective materials, as well as already equipped school bags. When the driver does not see, nothing can be done.

At a speed of 75 km / h, the driver needs at least 1.5 seconds to realize the danger and react accordingly – in that time he has traveled 31 meters. And before he starts his evasive maneuver, he walks more than 150 meters away from seeing a pedestrian. Then he needs more time to complete the maneuver and to cover more meters. For this quite simple task, which happens on the roads countless daily, the driver needs about 200 meters. And at such a distance, a pedestrian can only see if he is wearing reflective accessories.

This is a basic safety requirement that a pedestrian should meet. On the other hand, the driver should also follow a simple rule of thumb – driving only fast enough to stop the vehicle at a distance it can see. We should keep in mind that at a speed of 100 km our car will travel 28 meters per second. Often the driver reacts for up to 2.5 seconds and then only brakes for 40 meters. This mathematical excursion is needed because we should realize that the afterglow of the dipped beam of a car is about sixty meters. This means that when the dipped beam is on, we can drive at a maximum of just over seventy kilometers per hour. At a speed of ninety kilometers, we have to count with a stopping distance of over seventy meters. Slightly more favorable is the situation where we can have the main beam on. Then we register pedestrians about 100 meters. If we pass by an oncoming vehicle in the dark and therefore switch from high beam to dipped beam, remember that the distance we are seeing is greatly reduced and the driving speed must be reduced accordingly. If it is not possible to illuminate the driving beam when driving, for example, we can use the beam of the vehicle ahead. It shows us what to expect on the road. We should never look into the lights of oncoming cars that can dazzle us. We follow the space on the right shoulder. By briefly flashing through the high beams, we can “touch” the way ahead. Without dazzling oncoming traffic, we can easily detect an obstacle in the dark.

Cyclists are obliged to have their bicycles properly equipped according to regulations. In poor visibility, the wheel shall be equipped with a headlamp illuminating the white front light and a steady or flashing red light at the rear. It also includes reflectors of the corresponding colors – white reflector at the front, red at the rear and orange on the pedals and the spokes. To increase safety, it is advisable to complete everything with at least reflective stripes on shoes and clothing, helmet and possibly on your bike.

How to increase visibility (pedestrians and cyclists)

Use reflective and fluorescent materials and combine them to see well in both light and dark. Reflective items are best placed at the end of the sleeves, close to the knees and at waist level (cyclists also wear helmets and bikes). Get clothes, school bags, and accessories with reflective and fluorescent safety features for your children. Reflective and fluorescent objects are not expensive. Various pendants, patches, iron-on elements, stickers, hand straps, etc. Not only cars are required to light up, but the cyclist is also required to have a headlight with white light illuminating forwards and a red or flashing red light. A flashing tail light can be seen up to 1000 meters. The driver can see the cyclist in time and adjust the speed to the situation.

Pedestrians start to wear reflective elements, the government agrees

A breach of duty should be subject to a fine of up to two thousand crowns “on the spot”. But it must be reduced visibility and walking on the road without public lighting.

Pedestrians should be obliged to use at least one reflective material element on their garments if they are walking on the road without visible light in poor visibility. The government approved today a proposal of the Ministry of Transport, which is part of the amendment to the Act on Road Traffic.

A breach of duty is to be subject to a fine of up to two thousand crowns “on the spot”, such as in the so-called block proceedings. The Office in administrative proceedings could then impose a fine of CZK 1,500 to 2,500. The same sanctions are already threatening pedestrians for violating other duties, typically poor passage. The exception should be unforeseeable circumstances, such as impassable pavement and temporarily inoperative public lighting.

According to the proposal, the pedestrian is obliged to wear reflective elements placed so that they are visible to other road users. However, only when moving in poor visibility along the shoulder or on the edge of a roadway in a place where there is no street light or where the street light is off. All three conditions (reduced visibility, road, no illumination) are required at the same time.

Marketing action tip

In addition to the night, reduced visibility means, in particular, fog, heavy rain, dusk or dawn. The law does not specify the exact dimensions or location of the reflective fabric element on the pedestrian’s garment. However, it must be visible from the front and the rear, ie large enough and uncovered. According to the ministry, it is optimal to use reflective tape on the hand or foot of a pedestrian (ideally in both places) facing the road.

The Office expects that the acquisition of reflective elements will cost a pedestrian about 50 crowns, while some have and use them now. It is also possible to expect marketing events in which traders or petrol stations offer reflective elements with a discount or a free bonus. The ministry expects the municipal police to increase their expenditures by approximately 5% (due to the extension of controls). The main benefit for the state is to decrease the number of accidents and thus reduce the related costs.

Visibility rises several times

Although the number of pedestrians killed in the Czech Republic is decreasing (134 died on the roads in 2013), the Czech Republic still occupies one of the worst locations among European Union countries. The Ministry recalls that the obligation to wear reflective elements has been imposed by many other countries, including Slovakia. Reflective material is visible at night three times greater than light clothing and more than ten times greater than dark clothing.

The Ministry of Transport originally considered a stricter option – the use of reflective vests, not just elements. However, it rejected it, as well as a milder solution consisting only in another awareness campaign.

If the amendment is approved by the Government and subsequently by Parliament, it is due to come into effect from January 2016.

Attention! The braking distance in the snow is up to five times longer

The first weekend of this winter in the snow is over and there are confusion and hysteria on the roads. What is weird about it was when it was January. However, the drivers get confused in this weather, and then traffic accidents often occur. Pedestrians should also behave properly in the traffic industry.

“There should always be mutual consideration for both the driver and the pedestrian. The driver is supposed to approach the pedestrian crossing at such a speed that he can stop the vehicle and allow the pedestrian to cross the road safely, “explains Václav Irving from Besip and continues:” The driver is obliged to release the pedestrian and allow him to pass safely, but if the weather is outside and you run into the crossing, the driver is losing.”

Interestingly, children in schools adhere to these principles and, strangely, many children teach their parents and grandparents.

Furthermore, so-called eye contact is important. When the pedestrian contacted the driver and you already know the driver’s behavior, whether he is able or willing to stop. Also, a pedestrian standing at the crossing must give a signal that he is safely entering the pedestrian crossing. Of course, when he is at the transition, he has priority.

“Visibility is another very important factor in this period. It is getting dark soon and I would recommend that pedestrians walk on the roads sufficiently visible. This means that they are sufficiently visible on the roads,” he added.

When a walker walks in dark clothes, he is not visible. Everyone should not only observe the principle of seeing, but also be seen. “People complain that they don’t have the money to buy anything. But I don’t need money to see the money. An ordinary plastic bag is sufficient. In low visibility I’m in sight up to seventy meters, “he notes.

Reflective tapes are commonly available up to two hundred meters. Classically, however, just light dress or even shine a flashlight or flashlight. There are also plenty of clothes that already have reflective fabric elements.

What the drivers did not do much at the weekend is braking. At a speed of 50 km / h, it is necessary to brake about 25 meters. The stopping distance extends on wet, snowy and icy roads. On wet roads, it extends up to twice, on snow up to 5 times, and on-ice even up to 10 times, compared to braking on dry surfaces.

“Drivers think that if they have a car loaded, they will break at shorter distances. But the heavier the car, the longer the distance. With the car fully loaded, I stop on a significantly longer distance than with an unoccupied vehicle. We also point out that the passenger car has a shorter braking distance than the truck,” said Václav Irving.

Not seeing? You play with life

In 2009, 37 pedestrians died at night, some of them also because they were not visible. Prague children learn to wear reflective elements.

Maybe not much was missing, and Jan Vasa, ten, could also be the victim of the accident. As he recalls, more than a year ago, he almost hit a vehicle.

“Fortunately, nothing happened in the end,” says the boy from Újezd ​​nad Lesy, who won the photographic competition We Want to Be Seen on Friday.

The task was to promote the use of reflective tapes on clothing. In 2009 alone, 127 people were killed in the Czech Republic in poor visibility, 480 were seriously injured and 3537 were slightly injured.

Parts of them may not have happened if these people were visible. In Prague, for example, all first-graders get reflective vests – and so do

they are a common standard in kindergartens. But with increasing age, the use of reflective elements is rapidly decreasing.

Anyone can have a small supplement

“Today it is fashionable to walk a lot in black, gray and other colors that are not very visible. Yet it can ‘be seen’ to save lives in confusing places. Some small accessory will not hurt anyone,” said Jarmila Johnová from the Prague Mother Association. This together with the association Oživení and the Partnership Foundation organized the competition.

Many Prague schools took part in the event, besides Újezd ​​from Kunratice or Slivenec.

“Children were tasked to photograph themselves, their classmates, teacher or family member posing or walking, riding a bicycle, skating or scooter. The condition was that each contest participant should have a reflective accessory in a visible place,” explained Petra Lukešova.

“We hope that the campaign will help make reflective materials on clothing, handbags or backpacks a matter of course, not only for children but also for adults, as is the case in many other European countries, such as Sweden or the Netherlands,” John concluded.

Sweden wants to have such a safe operation that by 2020 no one should die in operation.

Reflective elements will be mandatory

In November and December, over the past 14 years, a total of 830 people have died, twice the number of other months. The blame is mainly the poor visibility of people on the roads, says traffic police director Tomas Lerch.

Driving in the coming months will be unpleasant sleet, slippery roads, fog and especially dark in the morning and early evening. Especially in the autumn and winter season, the most frequent clashes of cars with pedestrians occur due to reduced visibility. The police, together with the Besip department, will distribute 18,000 reflective tapes as part of the security event.

Pedestrians, according to the leader of Besip Martin Farar, are the only group of people killed in traffic accidents that die more at night than in the daytime. Eight out of ten victims die outside the crossings. In winter, pedestrians most often die in the morning between 06:00 and 07:00 when the light is not yet fully lit and in the afternoon after 16:00 when it gets dark.

November is the most dangerous month for pedestrians

The highest number of crashes is on 1st class roads, although the number of cases has a decreasing tendency. Conversely, on lower-class roads, the number of deaths is increasing. The least fatal incidents with pedestrians are on highways.

“Most of these tragic accidents happen just in the autumn in the morning or in the evening, at a time when everyone on the road is on the sidewalk, but even at a pedestrian crossing, at risk of not seeing them,” Warns Goodyear. According to statistics, November is the riskiest month for pedestrians.

In December and January, the driver waits long hours behind the wheel without sunlight, and the possibility of a serious traffic accident increases significantly. Even if drivers drive only one-fifth of the total mileage at night, nearly 50 percent of all major road accidents happen at night or in the dark.

This year, 68 pedestrians died on the roads from January to September, but according to Besip estimates, this figure will rise to around 116 by the end of the year. Over the last three months, more than two-fifths of those killed have been killed. Pedestrians are the third-largest group of fatalities after passenger car drivers and their passengers. They are followed by bikers and cyclists.

Cars are obliged to shine, but pedestrians, even though they are the most vulnerable in traffic, do not have such a duty yet. The Ministry of Transport, however, has already prepared a law that would require the use of reflective elements.

The draft amendment to the Act on Road Traffic, which is currently under the comment procedure, envisages the introduction of an obligation for pedestrians moving along an unlit road or on the edge of a roadway to have reflective elements on them.

“Every pedestrian should know that in dark clothes, he is almost invisible in the dark on the road. A driver who does not see the pedestrians in time cannot respond quickly and avoids pedestrians safely,” explains Katarína Ardová from Goodyear. It is therefore very important that the driver sees the pedestrian or cyclist in time. Any reflective element that can reflect the incident light from the vehicle headlamps is well suited to this.

With reflective material elements, the pedestrian is visible to the driver up to 200 meters, while if the wear is black or blue, it is only 18 meters. However, the reflective elements do not work much in fog, rain or snow.

In some countries, the number of deaths has been reduced by the mandatory use of reflective vests for pedestrians. Reflective elements can reduce pedestrian participation in a fatal accident by up to ten times in poor visibility. In addition to a vest, a suitable solution is a backpack or jackets with reflective elements. “We found it better to move the light area,” says Robert Stastný from Skoda Auto. “Reflective elements are better to have on the limbs we move than on the body or backpack,” he adds.

Half of the pedestrians die from accidents at night

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.

From Saturday on the road with only reflective elements

This Saturday, February 20, will come into force an amendment to the Road Traffic Act, which introduces the obligation for pedestrians to wear a reflective element if they move outside the village by road in low visibility. Initially, the police will distribute reflective tapes.

The aim is primarily to prevent serious and fatal accidents caused by the fact that the pedestrian was not sufficiently visible on the road. Between 2012 and 2015, 523 pedestrians died on the roads, including 303 at night. Only last year, 72 people died and were not seen at night.

“A driver who meets pedestrians in black clothes at night has about 18 meters to respond adequately. At a speed of around 70 km / h, he has less than a second to perform the maneuver and avoid the crash,” says Tomas Neřold from the Ministry of Transport. “However, if a pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element, the distance over which the driver can recognize a pedestrian (reflective vest) increases up to 200 meters. This distance already gives him enough space to avoid pedestrians at these 70 km / h.”

The obligation to wear a reflective element applies from Saturday to pedestrians in those cases when it is moving outside the village in poor visibility (not only at night but also at dusk, fog, etc.) along the verge or at the edge of the road in a place not illuminated public lighting. “Of course, from safety, it is good to use reflective elements wherever there is a risk that the driver cannot safely recognize a pedestrian,” adds Neřold.

“You don’t have to wear a reflective vest, a high-quality retro-reflective material of a distinctive color (yellow, light green, orange, etc.) that is visible to other road users is enough. For example, a reflective tape placed on the leg or hand (ideally on both limbs) in the direction of the road is ideal,” says Neřold.

In the event of a breach of this obligation, there is a risk of a fine ranging from zero to CZK 2,000 blockwise, from CZK 1,500 to 2,500 in administrative proceedings. “Instead of imposing sanctions, however, police patrols will rather talk to people and give them reflective tapes and bags so that they do not break the law next time and move safely on the road,” adds Tomas Nerold.

The MF DNES test has verified that a pedestrian with a flashlight is best visible to the driver. Unfortunately, the flashlight is not a reflective element and does not comply with the law. Theoretically, a pedestrian can be fined for using it instead of reflective tape.

Reflective elements protect the life of pedestrians

Traffic police focused on pedestrians in the early morning and evening hours as part of Wednesday’s traffic safety event to see if they were sufficiently visible to drivers.

According to the head of Hradec Králové’s traffic police Karel Kotil, a total of 110 pedestrians were checked, of which only eight had no reflective elements. “But it was in illuminated sections,” he said, adding that one of the pedestrians from Bystricko handed over for administrative proceedings.

“They are pedestrians who know about the obligation to have reflective elements but don’t wear them when they don’t have to. So far we have distributed 1100 reflective tapes, 150 bags, 20 reflective braces for motorcyclists and 200 orange reflective vests for drivers. But reflective vests can also be used by cyclists and pedestrians, “Karel Kotil said.

Police also stopped a pedestrian in Hradec, who had headphones in his ears and did not respond to their challenge. “Headphones with loud music are a problem. The pedestrian then does not hear the approaching car, does not perceive what is happening in the area and easily becomes the victim of an accident, “warns Karel Kotil.

According to road safety experts, at night the driver will see pedestrians with a reflective element at a distance of two hundred meters. At 75 km / h, the driver needs at least 1.5 seconds to realize the danger and react. During that time it will travel 31 meters. And before he starts his own evasive maneuver, he walks more than 150 meters away from seeing a pedestrian. For this task, the driver needs approximately 200 meters, which is the distance a pedestrian with a reflective element will see. This implies that a person moving in dark clothes at night does not give much chance to safely avoid the maneuver. Therefore, not only cyclists have to be properly illuminated and marked at night at present, but also the pedestrians have to wear reflective material elements outside the village.

Although pedestrians do not have to have reflective elements in the city, the police appealed to all who walked along the sidewalk of Kasal’s sawmill in Jindrichuv Hradec in the morning, to urge them to wear reflective elements everywhere and to distribute them immediately. For example, Naďa Vaclavova had a flashlight with her, but in her bag. She explained that she did not walk much at night, but as a driver, she acknowledged that pedestrians should be well visible in the dark.

“The autumn and winter periods, when the day is getting shorter and driveability is getting worse, are extremely demanding for the driver’s attention. On slippery surfaces, it does not stop as fast as on dry roads. Pedestrians and cyclists should be aware of this and adhere to the principle of being seen,” said police spokeswoman Hana Millerova.

Her words were added by the head of the Hradec Kralové traffic police: “Drivers must expect that the weather conditions can change rapidly. Where they pass the nineties in the dry without problems, a sixty can be dangerous. It can freeze water from cars carrying verbal fish, it will also do wet mud.”