Tag: reflective fabric

Small vest – great protection

Especially for children who are not yet independent, it is important in the dark season to be recognized in time by motorized road users. However, since they are often dressed too dark, they are perceived as pedestrians in poor visibility or in the dark until very late.

“Safety first! Therefore, I am particularly pleased that the OÖ civil protection for kindergarten groups offers as part of an Upper Austria-wide promotion, “said civil defense district manager, Dieter Opole, who in the municipality with Mayor Gerhard and Mayor Christian Dorel already the safety vests with reflective tapes handed over to the kindergarten.

Safety bag for free

Due to strong demand and positive feedback, the promotion was extended until spring. The kindergartens or communities can order the warning vests at the Upper Austrian Civil Defense at a promotional price. The aim of the action is to make the kindergarten children on excursions, walks and the like more visible. As a bonus, each kindergarten group receives a safety bag, which corresponds to the design of a safety vest and made with reflective fabric is also reflective. The kindergarten teacher can use this as a backpack and is thus a “visible role model”. In addition, there is a safety memo developed by the OÖ Zivilschutz for the kindergarten, a safety game that illustrates children’s everyday risks and avoidance of danger.

“With this action, the Upper Austrian Civil Protection makes a major contribution to the safety of the youngest road users,” said District Manager Opole. “It is not only about reducing the risk of accidents, but also about raising the awareness of the children for the dangers of poor visibility.” The safety vests remain in the possession of the kindergarten and can be used for years.

Many accidents could be avoided if the children were more visible to motorists. The visibility increases with a safety vest from 30 to 150 meters. It is recommended to wear bright clothing and reflect parts on clothing, shoes and school bags for the children, who will also be the role model for the parents by wearing the safety vest.

The most vulnerable road users are schoolchildren

Returning pupils to school benches after the holidays cannot be done without the increased risk of traffic accidents, it can also be reduced by drivers.

Attention to pedestrian crossings: pedestrians do not have absolute priority, but the culprits are almost always marked by the car driver.

Parents should not forget about child restraint systems, small schoolchildren must always be fastened in car seats, even when driving at very short distances.

Even this year, the beginning of the school year cannot be without preventive and control actions aimed primarily at protecting children after their return from the holidays to the school benches. ŠKODA AUTO asks for the driver to respect the smallest road users and help reduce the risk of injuries by taking responsibility for them.

Annually, the first week of September will require pedestrian victims, including more children than the rest of the year. Statistics show that September is one of the months with the highest number of traffic accidents and the highest number of life-threatening victims. Between 2013 and 2017, the ninth month of the year has always been ranked among the saddest. For example, in September 2014 there were 7,770 traffic accidents, in which 76 road users were killed – absolutely the most of the year. Last September, according to statistics, Traffic Police reported an increase in the number of road accidents to a total of 8,930 incidents, in which a total of 43 people died. In many cases, these accidents could be avoided if pedestrians and drivers paid attention to the traffic situation and were aware of the risks they face.

The Police of the Czech Republic, prepare measures related to the first days of the new school year. Activities of patrols will concern children especially on their way to school. In addition to transitions, police officers will also focus on running around schools, adhering to the highest allowed speed on the part of drivers, and possible violations of rules by other road users. However, no repression can replace the prevention. Drivers should be aware that children returning from vacation still live in their “bubble” and can react illogically or in short. From this point of view, the group of the youngest pupils – predominantly pupils of the lowest grades of elementary schools – appears to be the riskiest. These children commit several fundamental mistakes that drivers should know about. They often overestimate their abilities and try to stand out in front of their friends forgotten about road traffic rules, even if they are theoretically controlled. Due to psychological immaturity, they cannot predict the traffic situation, especially they cannot estimate the speed of the arriving car. And many of them feel that drivers have to respect and give priority to them.

Many dangerous situations also occur at crossings where there is no absolute priority for pedestrians, but their rights are very strong. Children should pay particular attention to where they cannot look well when passing, for example, due to badly parked cars. This is especially true for younger schoolchildren and schoolgirls who are smaller than regular cars. Even older children, however, often do not have to see over trucks or larger SUVs. There are also transitions over multi-lane high-speed roads. Misfortune can also easily occur when one car stop and leaves the pedestrian, but another move on. Adults should put the kids at heart for the fact that the driver of the other car does not need to notice it. The safety of children on the way to school certainly will support clothing with reflective fabrics or reflective materials. These are now commonplace and are aesthetically embedded in shoes, jackets and school bags. Various reflective tapes or pendants are available for both the smallest and the teenagers. Their importance grows in proportion to how shorter days are.

Nowadays, many children do not go to school or do not travel by public transport, but they are imported by their parents by car. In this case, child seats cannot be forgotten. Experts from the ŠKODA road safety research team report that the child must be trapped in a restraint system even for short-distance transport. When using a child car seat in a car from the earliest age of the child, it can be assumed that the schoolboy’s age is already taking this precaution as a matter of course. For school children from the lowest classes, it is advisable to choose a seat with a fixed back. When using it and attaching the child to the safety belt, care must be taken to ensure that the belt is not near the neck or over the shoulder joint and surrounds the pelvis at the bottom. The safest placement of the child seat is in the rear seat behind the passenger but since 2006 it is permitted to transport the child in the seat and in the front seat. The rapid growth of a child’s figure at a later age results in the use of a separate seat in place of a compact child car seat. Thanks to it, the child is raised to a position where the safety belt will properly surround the body. As soon as a child reaches a height of 150cm or the body weight reaches 36kg, the seat is no longer mandatory. Then the baby is transported in the vehicle as an adult.

When buying a suitable car seat, it pays to check with the child how it fits and how it feels. Some patterns by specific shaping may not suit the child. They also do not have to fit into a particular car – especially the modern “seated” seats are very wide, in the narrower interiors of older cars they do not fit perfectly and lean on the door, which is not desirable. When placing a new baby car seat, it is worthwhile to observe the enclosed instructions. From the point of view of installation, the seat can be fastened by means of safety belts or special Isofix fastenings. In the case of Isofix, there is less risk of installing the seat.

“If you only have a seat with belts, do not worry. Just make sure that the straps are tightened and the seat is securely attached, “explains the expert and expert on prevention from the ŠKODA AUTO Safety Research Team Robert. If the seat is well attached, it cannot move almost with it. Better than choosing in a general supermarket or even an anonymous e-shop is buying in a specialized store or car showroom, where they offer a seat that suits the particular car. “Here the customer can professionally show how to place the car seat in the car. He is also confident that the manual will be in Czech and the product itself will be homologated, “adds Robert. The ŠKODA Original Equipment range currently offers a Kid fix XP II restraint system suitable for school children aged 15 to 36kg. This car seat is designed for all current models of ŠKODA – CITGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, KAROQ, KODIAK, and SUPERB.

Why do pedestrians die on the roads?

The autumn and winter season is a very dangerous period for pedestrians. It’s getting dark early. The temperature drops below zero and the roads are slippery. As if this was not enough, fog often occurs. Unfortunately, this is the time when people die more often than under the wheels of cars.

In recent weeks, accidents involving pedestrians occur almost every day. Unfortunately, they have no chance against the car. It is they who get to the hospital with serious injuries or die on the spot.

A serious event occurred a few days ago. It was already dark. Suddenly, just before the approaching car on the other side of the road ran a man who was wearing dark clothes without any reflective fabric. The whole event recorded with a car camera. At first glance, the pedestrian cannot be seen at all. You have to look closely to see him.

This film shows how important it is to wear reflectors with reflective materials. After dark, the driver driving with the low beam lights on can see the pedestrian from a distance of 20-30 meters from the car bonnet. However, it travels at a speed exceeding 80-90 km / h, most often there is no chance of avoiding the deduction because it moves at a speed of about 25 meters per second.

When the pedestrian equipped with any reflective element that reflects the light of the car, the driver will see it already from a distance of 130-150 meters, which is about 5 times faster! The conclusion is obvious: such a small element of our outfit, which is a reflection, a reflective vest can save our lives or the lives of our loved ones.

5+1 tips from the autumn wardrobe to make your outdoor work more enjoyable

Do you want to work efficiently, safely and comfortably even in autumn, fog, strong wind or rain? Enjoy outdoor work and have a practical outfit to protect you reliably not only about the safety risks but also from the pitfalls of the autumn weather. Modern, perfectly fitting clothing will also enhance the professional impression of well-done work in the eyes of your customers.

When choosing autumn work clothes, think not only about falling temperatures and increasing probability of showers but also about frequent fogs in the morning and early dimming. Because you will spend a great deal of work in your work wear, do not make any compromises when choosing it and always choose maximum safety, practicality, and comfort. Keep in mind, however, modern design and easy maintenance, because your overall look is your business card for current and future customers.

  1. Is it also the coldest of your feet? In addition to their safety and comfort, always ensure their dryness and adequate thermal comfort with suitable boots and socks made of wool, bamboo or other functional materials.
  2. Lovely fitters with comfortable cuts and plenty of functional pockets do not have to give up even during the cold autumn days – just touch the warm model. For many years, the most popular version has been a versatile version with a lace, the cut of which ensures that the trousers hold in place even with crouch or elbow.

Do you spend a lot of working time in the backyard? Although outfitters are always made of solid and durable materials, choose a model with the option of inserting knees. It protects your pants at the most stressful places while greatly increasing your work comfort.

  1. Soft-shell drains moisture out and at the same time lets it in, so it keeps you dry during intense rain and intense physical exertion. The jackets of this material are also warm and comfortable to wear, making it a clear choice for anyone who spends time outdoors even in cold and rainy weather.
  2. If you wear modern functional outfits under your soft-shell jacket, you will do everything in order to feel comfortable even in the most demanding physical work. A functional merino or bamboo t-shirt will keep you warm and, moreover, will give you moisture away from your body. In cooler weather, add a fleece sweater that is highly breathable and warm enough.
  3. Be seen!

Being seen at work pays off not only when it’s about your boss or client. In autumn fog, in rain or at dusk, you will also appreciate light-reflective materials such as reflective fabrics or reflective thread seams on regular work wear.

If your work requires special reflective clothing, look for insulated reflective jackets, warm fleece sweatshirts or overalls. Unlike thin reflex jackets dressed in a jacket, they will not limit you in motion while doing the maximum for your safety.

Business Tip: Show that you are a professional!

Have you made your employees practical, modern and comfortable work clothes that they enjoy every day? Additionally, if you let your logo print, you will support the commitment of workers with corporate values, and you will do everything to give them a perfect first impression. The others, just as perfect, will then take care of their professional work.

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.

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.

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.

That’s how you make yourself visible

The danger to pedestrians increases in traffic as the days get shorter and darker. Almost half of the accidents happened in the dark season or at dusk. If you are on foot, you should make yourself visible.

In the winter months, it is often dark early in the morning on the way to work and school. Especially when the weather is rain, cloudy or foggy.

The danger for pedestrians rises

In the dark season, the danger increases in the traffic, especially for pedestrians. According to Statistics Austria, a quarter of all accidents happen at dusk and in the dark. In the months from November to January, it is almost half. Similarly, 30 percent of all accidents happen with pedestrians in the same period. In Salzburg, there were a total of 292 pedestrian accidents in 2017. With 31 accidents, most of them happened in November, showing an ARBÖ Statistic.

Visibility is up and down

It is therefore important for your own safety to be visible in traffic. This is the easiest and best with the right clothing. Renate from the ARBÖ Salzburg in conversation with S24: “Reflective clothing is enormously important this season, ideally I’m dressed as a pedestrian completely bright.”

Reflective clothing

Since this is often not possible, there are small tools that provide more security. A reflective hood, a reflective vest or reflective snap-on tapes which made with reflective fabrics worn over arms or legs over the jacket or trousers makes pedestrians more visible to motorists.

Use illuminated crosswalks

In addition, one can avoid danger even with the choice of the way. Renate recommends crossing roads only in well-lit areas if possible. These include illuminated crosswalks, with or without traffic lights. Of course, headlamps and flashlights also make a pedestrian visible. However, Renate points out that they only shine in one direction and are not “round-about lighting”.

Unlit visible much later

A test of the ÖAMTC in Vienna showed how big the difference between a lighted and an unlit person for motorists. While a predominantly dark-clothed person already disappeared about 40 meters in front of a stationary truck in the dark of the night, was a pedestrian with blue jeans and a bright jacket visible to the driver from a far greater distance. Even better to recognize was clothed with reflectors or even a covered safety vest.

Be visible! It can decide your life

Autumn is the time when roads become particularly dangerous, due to fast falling dark and morning light. Today another accident was reported, in which a pedestrian was killed. At the moment we do not know its causes, but after each such event comes to a reflection on how to make such a tragedy never touch our loved ones, our children, ourselves.

First of all, we must be aware that the pedestrian is the least protected participant in the road traffic, which in the face of the vehicle has a poor chance of survival because the car hits directly into his body. The car hood, seat belts, and airbags do not protect it.

Secondly, we must be aware that during bad visibility on the road, when the pedestrian is not equipped with reflective vests and is wearing a dark suit, the driver notices him when he is within his range. Then it is often too late and even the immediate reaction of the driver will not save his life.

After dark, the driver driving with the low beam lights on can see the pedestrian from a distance of 20-30 meters from the car bonnet. However, if it travels at a speed exceeding 80-90 km / h, most often there is no chance of avoiding the deduction because it moves at a speed of about 25 meters per second. When the pedestrian is equipped with any reflective material that reflects the light of the car, the driver will notice it already from a distance of 130-150 meters, which is about 5 times faster! The conclusion is obvious: such a small element of our outfit, which is a reflection, can save our lives or the lives of our loved ones!

Reflective elements are obligatory to be worn by all, regardless of age, who move around outside the built-up area after dark. Such an obligation is imposed on them by the Road Traffic Act. The obligation to wear a reflector or reflective clothing which made of reflective fabric is exempt pedestrians moving on the road intended only for pedestrians or on the sidewalk and in the area of residence, where pedestrian takes precedence over the vehicle.

Accidents involving pedestrians occur most often in the evening, from September to December, when the visibility of a person moving on the road is limited. Officers also appeal to drivers for prudence, caution and speed adjustment to road and weather conditions.

Police officers focused on pedestrian visibility

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Therefore, it is important that they follow all the rules of safe behavior and reduce the risk of a traffic accident. One of these important rules is to be well visible under reduced visibility. During autumn and winter, we can often encounter rain, mist or snow in addition to the long darkness.

Decreased visibility can do us more than ever when moving on the road during these two seasons. A low visibility walker with no reflective vests can be almost invisible to other road users until the last minute. Police officers from the Moravian-Silesian Region are advising this pedestrian during this week to check whether the reflective elements or reflective clothing which made of reflective fabrics are used when walking outside the village, but at the same time, they recommend using reflective elements in the village.

Police officers from the Transport Inspectorate, who, during yesterday’s evening at Pollack Street, near the train station, were also involved in pedestrian safety measures to give pedestrians more reflexes. Belts pedestrians gladly welcomed and did not hesitate to use them immediately and place them in a well-visible place. The law on road traffic is remembered for the pedestrians’ movement under reduced visibility. According to him, pedestrians who move without reflective materials outside the village are at a reduced visibility on the roadside or on the edge of the road in a place not illuminated by the public lighting of the fine, up to two thousand Czech crowns.