Tag: reflective material

How to overcome the inner bastard

Even in winter, I think I’m the best fit. How do you motivate yourself to get up from the cozy sofa to run in the dark and cold?

It’s wet, cold and the sun went down before closing time. Who wants to do sports? Being motivated to move can be difficult in winter.

“Humans do not readily accept unpleasant things,” explains Oliver Stoll, professor of sports psychology at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Because people prefer to move in good weather. With these tips, you can also catch up in winter and do healthy sport.

Set goals and talk about it

A good way is to set goals. These can be athletic ones like “I’m participating in a marathon in the spring” or even personal ones like “I want to lose three kilos over the winter”. The more concrete the goals, the better. Anyone who talks about this with friends and family is committed to living up to their own expectations. “The goal should be so strong in the focus that the weather does not matter,” explains Stoll. It can also help to visualize your goals, for example on small notes.

Create routines

Another trick to motivation is routines. This can be a fixed calendar appointment for the gym or a running group that meets regularly for sport. “Working out together is better in the winter: you are not alone. And it does not matter if it is pitch-deep,” says personal trainer Lars Neumann from Dortmund.

Provide inner and outer motivation

Even small goodies can help to rise from the cozy couch. For example a sauna after running. In this case, one speaks of extrinsic motivation. But it is better if you see the activity itself as a reward. “The intrinsic motivation is the strongest we know,” says Stoll. The problem: there are no recipes. Only those who have fun and recognize the meaning in the movement are really motivated from the inside out.

Look at the benefits

Sport not only keeps you fit and your body healthy – it also lifts the mood. This is particularly important in the dark season. When some are depressed and listless, says extreme athlete Peter. Regular exercise also strengthens the immune system during the cold season. And the cool air makes the head free in case of doubt.

Do not exaggerate

Anyone who is full of energy in winter should not be reckless anyway. Because of the temperature differences inside and outside, the risk of cold is increased.

Tighten properly

If you want to do sports outdoors in winter, you need the right equipment. “Windbreakers are practical, plus functional clothing and a neck warmer that can be pulled over the chin and nose,” recommends Lars Neumann. On the shoes, small spikes can prevent slipping. And to be recognizable in the dark, a headlamp and bright, reflective clothing, a reflective vest with reflective materials are recommended. By the way, if you get good equipment, you can directly commit yourself to use it.

Choose the right workout

“Lax running training is useful,” says personal trainer Neumann. The units should be slower than in summer. Interval training is rather inappropriate, says Peter. Even exercises with your own body weight are possible. “An important factor is that you do not need much material,” says Neumann. Because then you overcome yourself more easily.

If in doubt, practice indoors

If you do not feel like doing sport outdoors in the drizzle or cold weather, you can switch to the gym. Or use the winter to try out some new sport in the hall, such as kickboxing or squash. Those who do not want to leave their own four walls are recommended to do exercises on a gymnastics mat. A bit of self-motivation is always needed to stay fit in winter.

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.

Attention driver – on the roads slippery!

The current aura forces the change of driving technique – unfortunately, many drivers forget about it. Police officers appeal for prudence and common sense. Incorrect speed to the conditions on the road may be the cause of the tragedy. Especially when it is raining or snowing, which significantly reduces visibility and extends the braking distance.

Road conditions are very changeable, more treacherous and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. That’s why traffic cops appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to be particularly cautious and careful.

The most common cause of incidents is maladjustment of speed to conditions on the road or failure to exercise due care.

POLICE RECALLS:

In connection with rain or snow, the roadways can be slippery, and in such situations, the wheels easily lose their grip. Remember that in many different places, the road surface combined with rainfall extends the braking distance of the vehicle. In extreme cases, the driver may slip and not control the car. Overtaking in such conditions, over-riding, many other maneuvers can be very dangerous. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe the speed limits, and during bad weather conditions, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. We call for caution and, above all, adjusting speed to the prevailing conditions.

You should pay close attention to forests and water reservoirs – the road can be particularly slippery there. Exercise extreme caution near pedestrian crossings. Also, be careful when commuting to them. If the pedestrian enters the passage, the driver may not slow down.

We send a special appeal to the pedestrians so that they do not go directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can stop the vehicle. Of course, the pedestrian takes precedence over the passage, but here the principle of limited trust is most applicable.

Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember about their safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, keychain, headband or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming drivers when moving along a poorly lit road. We would like to remind you that from August 31, 2014, all pedestrians who move around the dusk along the way outside the built-up area must have a reflection visible to the drivers. The lack of a reflective material is threatened by a fine.

Road traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests and reflective elements in the built-up area, however, wearing reflective elements with reflective tapes greatly improves visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.

Remember permissible speed does not always mean safe speed.

It is also important to remember about proper and compliant use of fog lights and daytime running lights (Article 51 of the Law on Road Traffic).

An additional difficulty during this period (not only for drivers) is often worse well-being. A bad mood can affect the speed of reaction and concentration, which is also worth remembering when moving on the road.

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.

Everything for a safe way to school

For the fourth time, the beginning of the school year will be marked by prevention with the road safety campaign “Red stands, the child goes”. The children learn to walk across the street only when the wheels of the vehicle are stationary. Of course, the handlebars are also encouraged to complete. However, it is not always easy to notice the silhouette of a child in the rain or at dawn. That’s why visibility is very important. Since 2013, the TCS has already distributed half a million safety vests to first graders.

Just in time for the start of school in 2018, the road safety campaign “Red stands, the child goes” starts. It is supported by the TCS, the Accident Prevention Service, and police, which work locally with the communities and schools. A successful campaign because it is perceived and understood by more than 90 percent of motorists. Nevertheless dangerous situations arise daily because the children are seen too late.

The risk of not being seen is higher in the early morning and at night than during the day. It even multiplies by a factor of 10 in rain or snow. In the dark, an automobile driver only recognizes a person in dark clothing at a distance of 25 meters – this can be too late, depending on the situation. If this person wears reflective clothing, it can be perceived from a distance of 140 meters. This enables road users to react in good time.

Half a million safety vests soon to be distributed in order to help children see them better and faster on their way to school, the TCS has been distributing around 140,000 reflective triangles every year to kindergarten teachers and pupils aged four to seven years. This action is funded by the Road Safety Fund. Since 2013, TCS has been distributing 80,000 safety vests throughout Switzerland for the larger primary school pupils (eight to nine years). In total, there will be nearly half a million West this year, distributed by the TCS sections in cooperation with public authorities, to increase security.

Trendy clothing and accessories for the bigger ones, of course, the fashion industry has not missed the fact that the safety vest does not inspire everyone. That is why the TCS and the police have been using the MADE VISIBLE campaign for a year to encourage people to wear clothes and accessories with reflective materials. This label will be visible on all new uniforms of the school traffic service in the future. The mission of this service is to ensure the safety of children on the way to school. Co-financed by the German Road Safety Fund, this year around 3000 safety vests, 1000 jackets, and 3500 caps will be distributed to the transport helpers throughout Switzerland.

What safety equipment for a balance bike?

Cycling cannot do without safety equipment. Even before protecting, they reassure children and parents in the practice of two-wheelers. It is also thanks to them that your little one will take confidence in him. Which are the obligatory ones and those strongly recommended? We list them for you.

No practice of the bike without a helmet. Since 2015, the law obliges road users under 12 to equip them. Whether driver or passenger. And if it’s never easy to get it to the little ones, put it on as soon as possible, so that it can be likened to two-wheeled outings. Subsequently, he can even equip himself to make him responsible.

Beyond the safety aspect, the wearing of the helmet will give him confidence. This protection takes away the apprehension he may have when taking speed on his two-wheeler. To facilitate the appropriation of this equipment for your child, choose a model that pleases him. Manufacturers have integrated this data and are redoubling their efforts to make children’s helmets attractive.

The baby helmet Purple star smiley fits head from 45 to 50 centimeters, from about 8 months to 3 years. It has good foam reinforcements, reflective tape, and insect protection. Pretty colors, childish illustrations: its look will appeal to children. They can proudly display it in the parks.

What about the wearing of the bike safety vest

The wearing of the safety vest is not mandatory on a two-wheeler. Nevertheless, his purchase can be very useful. This equipment is primarily used to make visible its wearer with its reflective strips, whether on a balance bike or sitting in the child seat on the mother’s bike. At the park, you can easily follow him in his frantic races and especially, the others will see him. The vest is even more important if you are doing part of the “playground – home” journey on a sidewalk, along a road, or on a path frequented by cyclists. In winter, with the decline in brightness, its port becomes unavoidable. The Child Safety Vest with reflective material is for children ages 3 to 16 with XS to L models.

It is much less difficult for the child to wear a protective vest than to put on the helmet. He does not interfere with his movements and allows him to differentiate himself from other children. He may even be jealous of the courtyards of buildings or public gardens.

Buying it at the same time as a bike without a learning pedal can kill two birds with one stone since it can be used on the parents’ bike and even later when the child starts to ride a bike.

Another essential equipment for cycling without a pedal: closed shoes and pants. In order to better prevent injuries, remember to dress your child so that it is comfortable but also so that it does not lose a shoe along the way. Privileged closed shoes, therefore and pants in case of fall. And for parents, sneakers! Your child will progress quickly on the wheel of his learning bike. He begins to draw turns and better control his speed in relation to the environment around him through a better perception of space. He also assures himself in descents and begins to experience new sensations for his greatest pleasure. This can lead to some impromptu races for parents watching him. Pumps or flip-flops are to be put aside when exits balance for more adequate shoes.

And a little advice from parents to parents: a tip that has been proven to prevent falls. You can slip a scarf or a large scarf under your child’s arms and hold it high to assist in the first few meters or to prevent it from falling. Just like vests with handles in the back, it saves you from staying long with your back leaning and allows you to have a grip on your child.

To share the fun of the child on his two-wheelers, parents can accompany them on their bike. An activity that promises real moments of complicity for the joy of the little one who loves to imitate the big people. However, it is better to do this once the child’s balance is well developed and the learning phase is out of date. On the bike, it is more difficult to intervene with the child. However, by being close to him physically, you can more easily suggest him to stop.

The helmet is the only compulsory equipment for the practice of a two-wheeler for a child. You can complete the outfit with a safety vest especially if your little one rolls on a sidewalk or in the middle of other bikes. Do not forget the equipment for you, in order to follow the racing bike to the rhythm of its progression whether it is in running or cycling.

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.

Let’s talk about security

Classes with the charges of the “Albert” Day Home Stay were led by a policewoman. A talk was about various situations that everyone might encounter about their own safety.

Asp. Isabella visited today (04.12) DDP “Albert” charges. The subject of the meeting was various types of fraud methods. To warn the regulars of the house how the scammers work, the police officer presented films prepared by the Provincial Police Headquarters in Bydgoszcz. They show the methods of action of the perpetrators of fraud “on granddaughter, policeman or officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation”. The discussion that accompanied the meeting consisted of the analysis of the reflective material viewed and a discussion on how to deal with someone who came across such a case.

Moving on the roads was another topic of the meeting and circumstances and causes of road events. Out of concern for your safety on the roads, it is worth having reflective vests. That is why the mentees were equipped with reflective tapes by a policewoman. The meeting also had a workshop part, because the participants had the opportunity to solve the crossword, which the policewomen brought for them. The crossword related to traffic regulations and general rules of conduct in the situation of threats.

To protect yourself from the dead angle

Eye contact at traffic lights and intersections is very important.

In recent weeks, several accidents have occurred, in which cyclists were hit by cars and trucks. One reason: especially truck drivers overlook the cyclists when turning because they are in the dead corner. According to police, this was the reason for the serious accident on Friday afternoon at the junction B 437, in which a 49-year-old had been seriously injured.

What can be cyclists and car and truck drivers do to prevent such accidents? The “nonprofit asked the police. “The so-called dead angle is a very dangerous condition for all involved in road traffic,” warns spokeswoman Andrea: “He can create dangerous situations and in the worst case lead to a traffic accident.” Here are some tips from the police, the general nature, however also specifically aimed at truck and bus drivers:

For motorists

Always use the shoulder view before turning and changing lanes and use existing mirrors.

When waiting at intersections, keep an eye on the right-hand edge of the road and existing footpaths and cycle paths during the red phase.

At intersections, make eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians who ride on parallel paths – this also goes through the rearview mirror.

When getting out of a parked car, with the view of the shoulder, make sure that the door can be opened safely.

For truck and bus drivers

Bend slowly and keep an eye on the parallel and intersecting bicycle and pedestrian paths.

For truck drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, it always makes sense in intersections to assure each other that you can see each other – preferably through direct eye contact with other road users.

Turn off only when you are 100% sure that no one else is at risk. Your mirrors will help you.

For cyclists / pedestrians

Stay clearly visible at intersections, or stay far to the right of a vehicle and wait until it is completely turned off.

In the “dark season” as well as in bad weather reflective materials or reflective tapes should be attached to the clothing.

For bicycles, functioning lighting and reflective vests are particularly important.

At a red light, you should wait behind a waiting bus or truck.

If pedestrians or cyclists cannot see the driver of a truck or bus through its mirror, they too will not be seen.

In unclear traffic situations, you prefer to forego your own prerogative. This way an accident can be avoided.

When parking vehicles, keep a sufficient distance and make sure that doors can open unexpectedly.

Let us shine

Fashion is the opposite of eternity. But perhaps you can extend your own life a few days to eternity with the supposedly fashionable aspect of wearing a reflective vest.

Signal vests are not a fashion accessory. In contrast, they have the potential to do so in the dark season.

Maybe it’s the age that makes people shine, and the concomitant, at best eventually, maturity. However, this does not mean – not that we misunderstand – this prudent and mild radiance of advanced age, that wise, benevolent smile and shining deep inside that finds its source somewhere between heart and stomach and soul.

Meant is this bright orange in the deep street canyons of our city, and the flashing yellow with reflective tapes, which I now daily on the way to work to make me visible and at any cost, and that, although I deny myself any fashion conventions.

Safety vest over everyday clothing, tentatively fluttering in the wind, the elaborate test method of the European standard more than enough (at least the sewn hint), always committed to safety, always reflective, orange and yellow.

Because, quite honestly, back then, as a young road user, I just got on my bike. Dressed in black and thus almost invisible when it was still dark in the morning or the day did not really want to get really bright before clouding winter weather. As a cyclist swallowed by the darkness, thoughtless from today’s perspective, headless, daring even. Youngster just.

At some point, however, he then began, this desire for being seen, this desire for visibility far beyond the own driver, ignoring fashionable aspects, harshly thrown overboard, the own Rader-I ridicule of ridicule in orange.

And maybe it actually has something to do with age, with the onset of awareness of finiteness, always smiling softly on my porter with me driving through the deep street canyons of the city and whispering to me from behind that only survives, the most widely seen becomes.

“Take care of yourself,” whispered the reason, “take good care of yourself and shine well.” The reason, then, as the key to wearing the safety vest according to DIN EN ISO 20471, which, if you look around in today’s traffic once attentive, actually appears more often, in cyclists, pedestrians, dogs, the walk in the dark park.

But not because, as of July 2014, they must be carried by law in passenger cars, trucks, semitrailer tractors, multi-axle tractors and buses and coaches that are to be put into service on public roads.

In more and more countries is now the permanent wearing of safety vests on the bike duty. And while discussions are continuing in Germany about the introduction of safety vests for cyclists, in France the vest for pedals is already an integral part of the garment, at night or in bad weather, even during the day outside closed villages. Failure to comply with the prescribed duty must be considered as a fine.

But this should be taken into account: recent studies from the United Kingdom and the United States prove that wearing a signal vest does not increase the safety of the cyclist, the warning function in the general night glare of urban traffic even rather go down.

So maybe it’s the only subjective sense of security that gives me a beloved vest and makes sense, at least to me, as well as to all the other cyclists and pedestrians and dogs in the dark park, who meet me dressed in safety vests with reflective materials, and because it makes us shine. In orange and warn yellow vest in the deep street canyons of this city.