Category: reflective material

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.

 

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.

 

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.

safety vests

No question, safety vests are handy. But where to go with the thing in the car?

 

In Germany, the safety vest is not mandatory equipment for private vehicles. However, TÜV Rheinland always recommends wearing this protective reflective clothing in the event of a breakdown – not only in the dark season. The reflective material is already seen from a distance of 150 meters. People without a safety vest recognized by motorists only when they are only 80 meters away.

 

So that the vest is quickly at hand in an emergency, it should be stored indoors, preferably in the glove compartment, under the seat or in the door pockets. When the vests are open in the interior, they can age faster due to solar radiation. The trunk is less suitable for accommodating the vest. First, you have to walk around the car without protection to get to the vest, on the other hand, she could be covered thereby luggage.

 

Approved in Germany west in red, orange and yellow, which comply with the standard 71 DIN EN. For children, there are also other colors with the label DIN EN 1150. The vest is available from about two euros, for example, the ADAC or the TÜV, but also at many gas stations or accessory shops.

 

Safety vests in Europe: holiday countries in the overview

In Germany, motorists are required from July to have at least one safety vest in the car. In other European countries, from France to Croatia, the flash cover has long been mandatory. “We generally recommend putting on safety vests for safety reasons in the event of a breakdown, no matter in which country,” ADAC lawyer Michael Nissen explains to travelers who set off on their summer vacation by car.

 

Safety vest best in the glove box

The best is according to Nissen in the car for each passenger a vest ready and not in the trunk, but handy in the glove compartment. The regulations on the obligation to wear warning visas and the fines for their disregard differ from holiday destination to holiday destination.

 

Belgium: In the event of accidents or breakdowns on Belgian motorways or motorways, the vest with reflective material is mandatory. Whoever wears none, must expect a fine of at least 50 euros. This also applies to motorcyclists. However, anyone who cannot show a vest during a check is not prosecuted in Belgium.

 

France: The safety vest must not only be worn in an emergency but always be there – preferably in the glove box, because it must be tightened before leaving the vehicle. This also applies to passengers. Who gets caught without a vest, pays at least 90 euros. Motorcycles and quads are excluded.

 

Italy: Anyone who is outside closed villages on the carriageway without a vest risks a warning fee of at least 41 euros. However, under Italian law, this only affects the driver or the person setting up the warning triangle. Motorcyclists are excluded. In the case of controls, however, no vest must be presented. “In Italy, only the duty to wear,” says Nissen.

 

Croatia: Motorists and motorcyclists must have a vest outside closed villages and cover in case of breakdowns. Violations are not punished in Croatia.

 

Austria: Here is a safety vest for the driver mandatory in the luggage. In poor visibility, in confusing areas or in the dark, the vests with reflective tapes must be covered even in case of breakdowns on the highway. “Austria is the only country where our members report enforced fines,” says Nissen. The penalty is between 14 and 36 euros.

 

Portugal: Anyone who does not carry a safety vest as a car or motorcyclist risks a fine of 60 to 300 euros. Who in an emergency on the road does not carry, even 120 to 600 euros. This is true only for vehicles registered in Portugal, but also includes rental cars for tourists.

 

Spain: Reflective vests have to carry drivers of cars, buses, and trucks, but moped and motorcyclists do not. If you do not wear a vest, you risk a fine of up to 100 euros – if you pay the penalty immediately, the Spanish police will release half the amount.

 

Making children more visible in the dark season through safety vests

The days are getting shorter again, it’s the time of the year when safety vests are increasingly used again. And rightly so: The eye-catching items of clothing help to prevent accidents and to protect your children in the traffic from dangers.

 

Especially in the dark season, it is advisable to equip children in traffic with safety vests. So they are perceived by other road users much more likely.

 

This is the ideal safety vest for children.

 

Safety vests made of breathable and lightweight material. They are easy to pull over the normal jacket and do not hinder. It is best if they can be closed with a Velcro fastener, so the vest is quickly put on, fastened and also stripped off again. Characteristic is the reflective tape, which should be at least one centimeter wide and once around the vest should lead around: only this way it is ensured that the child is clearly visible from all sides.

 

The color of the vest gives you added security. If you buy a model in a fluorescent signal color, such as yellow or pink, your child will not be overlooked even in daylight. The difficulty, especially in the winter months, lies in the fact that most garments are sold like warm jackets in rather muted colors. In them, a child is much worse to recognize that in a color that does not blur with the hazy background on the winter road.

 

Color and reflectors make the difference with safety vests

If the children have to leave the house and go to school in the morning, it is still dark outside in autumn, winter and early spring. Whether they are on foot or by bicycle, they are not easy to spot for motorists, and in the morning rush hour traffic on the streets is still a little more dangerous than usual. Buy reflective vests with reflectors for your kids, they’re in the light the headlights are easy to see from far away, and drivers drive much slower and more cautiously.

 

You can also buy one for yourself: For example, if you bring your child to kindergarten by bike in the morning, you will also be more easily recognizable by motorists. If you find the normal vests that you find in trading too boring and not very individual, you can also order special designs. If you find that the reflective areas are not enough, you can buy additional reflective materials and fix them on the vest. How your child safely gets through the traffic!

If you have no safety vest in the car, you have to pay

Motorists must expect a fine from July if they have no safety vest in their vehicle. However, there is no obligation to carry – the Ministry of Transport points to personal responsibility.

 

Many road users in Germany must expect a fine of 15 euros from 1 July, if they have no safety vest in their vehicle. As reported by the “Saarbrücker Zeitung”, the Federal Ministry of Transport, led by Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), has fixed the amount of the fine in a new regulation.

 

According to the information must be carried in cars, trucks, tractors, and buses in the future, a safety vest sew-on reflective tape. Motorcyclists are excluded from the new rules.

 

Motorists should wear the reflective vest in the event of a breakdown or accident. However, according to the report, the new regulation does not provide for any obligation to carry. Instead, the Ministry “on the self-responsible action of road users.” The Federal Council had already decided in July 2013 the warning waistcoat. The carrying of a warning triangle has long been mandatory in Germany and in other EU countries.

 

In other countries higher fines

With the revision of vest Germany is now following the example of many European states. However, in other countries significantly higher fines are due than in the future in the Federal Republic, and their road users must also wear the safety vest with reflective material if it comes to an accident or a glitch.

 

For example, road users in Portugal are fined between € 60 and € 600 if they are caught without a warning vest. In Italy, violations of this nature are punished with at least 35 euros; In Spain, not wearing costs around 90 euros.

Are you going to travel? Check what you must have in the emergency kit of your vehicle

That a simple incident on the way to your vacation does not ruin the picture. The triangle, the reflective vest with reflective tape, and the extinguisher are not the only safety elements that you should carry in your car.

 

Ready and loaded suitcases, children with safety belts and entertainment prepared for several hours, crackers for the road, full tank, precise pressure in the tires.

 

Is there anything missing to start the trip? Well, do not forget to have the complete and revised safety kit, given that in case of an emergency situation it could be the difference between solving the problem or having a day of discomfort or even disaster on the route.

 

The National Safety Commission (Conaset) raises in its document “Book of the new driver” in its version for motorists that always before traveling the visibility is verified in the front windscreens, the rear window, and the side windows, it is checked that the mirrors have good visibility and that the doors are closed.

 

In addition, call to check that you have all emergency devices, which are detailed below.

 

Extinguisher

Remember that the fire extinguisher must have a load, not be expired and be located in a place that allows it to be used quickly and safely if needed.

 

Spare wheel

The wheel must be in good condition and be complete (rim and tire). This, except in special cases of the regulation.

 

In addition, you must bring the necessary elements for replacement.

 

Reflective triangles

It is advisable to have two equilateral reflective triangles in your vehicle. These should be red and visible both at night and during the day. In addition, they must be made of reflective materials that will not be damaged in the event of an accident.

 

Reflecting triangles must maintain stability and if used, place one in front of and one behind the vehicle.

 

A set from Nike for runners on rainy, snowy and windy days

In the winter the weather does not spoil us, so it is worth supporting the training with the right equipment. Especially for you, the editorial staff of Polska Biega has tested the running kit from the Nike brand: the Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield, the Epic Lux Shield leggings and the Nike Therma Sphere Element.

 

Agnieszka Kwiatkowska (co-author of the Nadystansie.pl blog): I have been involved in running for several years now, which is why the selection of running equipment is very important to me. As a long-distance runner, I value comfort and functionality. I pay attention to details and I like to test different brands.

 

Thanks to the editorial staff of Polska Biega and the Nike brand I got a running set, which could certainly be a great starter set for every runner for the autumn and winter period. I will share with you my insights about each product: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield Water-Repellent, Epic Lux Shield leggings, and Nike Therma Sphere Element. I was able to test all the items of clothing in three weeks, the weather outside did not spoil, thanks to this equipment I tested the rainy, windy and even snowy weather.

 

First impression, very positive – the shoes are neat, streamlined and light. At EUR size 41 (26 cm inlay) weigh 255 g. My standard size of running shoes is 25.5 cm, but with this model, I do not feel any discomfort. The element that immediately catches the eye is the shoulder of a traditional binding, instead, we have a binding system with a welt. With one move, we can adjust the shoes so that they fit the foot. This solution makes it easier to lacing on cool and rainy days when we have gloves on our hands. The end of the “shoelace” is equipped with a “hook” and we can attach it to the shoe so that the string does not interfere while running.

 

The shoes used Nike Shield technology, a system that has the task of protecting against the penetration of water and wind with simultaneous, free air flow. The material from which the shoe was made is light, thin and actually waterproof. I had the opportunity to run in these shoes in the rain, deliberately went into puddles, and the sock after taking the foot off the shoe was still dry. What’s more, even when cleaning shoes, moisture did not get inside.

 

The upper is seamless, nothing hurts and does not rub the feet. The reinforced heel holds the footwell and gives a feeling of stability while running. I have a fairly wide foot, which is why my biggest problem is the fitting of the shoe in the midfoot area, in this model I felt comfortable. There is a lot of space for your fingers. Inside there are not too many sponges as in a typical training shoe, does it speak a plus? In my opinion, yes.

 

The shoes worked great both on dry and wet surfaces. The rubber sole provides a good grip. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield I took to training on asphalt ground, forest but the beaten path and tartan treadmill. They have done very well with every surface. I would not take them in a typical trail area. The only downside is the feeling that the longer the training lasted, the binding system began to loosen. Fortunately, it can be quickly adjusted.

 

The manufacturer also mentions the sole soles used, the so-called Beveled Heel, which facilitates smooth rolling of the foot. Nothing more nothing less. During longer runs, I did not get any prints, and during the interval, training shoes were dynamic and springy. In this model, we can also appreciate the cushioning, which is not exaggerated and the shoe does not have the impression of being clumsy. This model will definitely be useful for every day, varied training. Although this is not a starting shoe, I would not have problems even taking him on the competition.

 

Despite the fact that the tested model is in cool, gray-black colors, it, fortunately, has reflective materials, which increases visibility after dark.