Tag: reflective material

Not all the gold that shines – Reflections

As we promised in the previous article, once a month, we will be posting information about motorbike reflexes. Let’s increase our visibility and thus improve our security. The time has come for news from the world of glitter. The first question should be “how are the glare”?

 

Retro reflection – is the principle on which glare works. It consists in the fact that the light (such as the car’s reflector) bounces off the reflective material and returns to its source. Reflective materials are characterized by such a structure that the light is reflected in the direction of the closest one is that of which it falls (not only when it falls perpendicularly). This structure is made up of special elements placed on the material – glass microspheres or fine acrylic prisms.

 

Describing these technical details we had a specific goal. Since we already know how glare works, the next question should be, do all glitters “shine”? There are two ways to check if your motorcycle glare is working:

Take a picture with your flash phone flashing at a distance of about 6m. If you see a characteristic flash in your photo, your flashes are OK. After a few washings of your motorcycle clothing with reflective elements perform such a treatment again. If the image is the same effect, it means that your glare is of good quality. Unfortunately, it often happens that non-certified reflectors lose their value after several washings (fluorescent material and reflective tape lose their properties).

The other way is to memorize this abbreviation – EN 471. If the reflectors are certified then the label should indicate that the product has been made from EN 471 compliant material or the product complies with EN 471.

 

How have you taken photos of different reflectors?

The creators of the Hen Vision campaign intentionally took pictures with a mobile phone with flash so that everyone could perform such a test themselves. Magazine where photos were taken – the light is minimized through the windows over the model.

 

We have two types of photos:

Light coming through the window + fluorescent light

Turn off the fluorescent light (imitation of the twilight)

Photos show how different glare is available on the market. It’s great that you want to ride in the glare. However, our article is to educate what to look for when buying reflective accessories.

 

What defines EN 471?

EN 471 is High Visibility Warning Clothing for Professional Use. The standard specifies clothing requirements that visually signal the presence of the wearer to be seen and seen in hazardous conditions at night, daylight and headlights. It’s specifies the visibility class of the reflective, fluorescent material, and reflective grade depending on your reflectivity.

 

This article contains some technical information regarding glare. Why do we write about it? Because we have met several times with the actions of many companies, who wanted to promote their brand, they distributed various glare, most often vest. The objectives of the action were noble, but unfortunately these vests were often not certified, so they did not glitter in artificial light. So someone in Poland has developed and put on a reflective waistcoat to increase visibility. It moves in the dark in the dark, with the awareness of “I am visible”. And here a surprise – the glare does not “shine” and we have a tragedy.

 

If we are wearing reflective clothing, please note that our reflective motorcycle vests, belts or braces are certified and light. Motorcyclist “Let’s get noticed”

Reflective vest – be visible in the dark

To be on the road as a cyclist in the dark in city traffic is dangerous. The police in reflective vest are tips on what measures it will be well seen. Many bicycle dealer offer bulbs that enhance security.

 

When cyclists and pedestrians are overlooked on the road by motorists, they have to be very lucky to stay unharmed. The risk for them to be victims of an accident is higher than usual in the dark season. Therefore, they should not challenge their luck and even ensure that they are perceived by motorists. The Commissariat traffic accident prevention – protection of victims and the Road Safety advise in the dark season to take extra care and inform about the “security through visibility”. Here is an overview of which means there are, and how they are assessed by their impact ago.

 

Front and rear light since the summer do not have to be operated with a dynamo these lights – officially approved are now even those with batteries or battery. “There are better and worse. In recent years, the bulbs have evolved,” said Police Chief Superintendent Rainer. Were already halogens lamps and improvement over the old incandescent bulbs, there are now LED lights in vogue. Front lights are fitted to the handlebars, rear lights on the seat post or on the rear luggage rack. Experts such as Jan from the bike shop “Chic Hat” preferred battery-powered lights, because waste is avoided with them (from 54 Euros for both). The simple act of being seen primarily as to who would like to see even the environment better, which requires a headlight.

 

Reflectors allow because front and rear light only the visibility of the front and rear reflectors ensure that cyclists be seen from the side. These include the classic cat eyes in the spokes (four pieces cost four Euros for example in Eller). By the company 3M, there are also spoke reflectors (about 20 Euros for 72 pieces, for example at Lucky Bike). Also popular are reflective bracelets. With reflective band not only bicycle racks can be pasted, but also walkers. A disadvantage is obviously the lack of ventilation. From the head lamp is not recommended in dense urban traffic, because it blinds other road users often.

 

Clothes the appeal to wear bright clothing to be visible in the dark, bears little fruit if the winter fashion provides muted colors. Very large areas are perceived cyclists who wear over his jacket a safety vest, as already seen this year a few times. Motorists are required since July, carry them. They are available to buy in hardware stores, among others, in some places even for one or two Euros.

 

A reflective strip, which can be fastened to the satchel, umbrella or walking frame on the zipper jackets or bags, citizens can obtain from the Traffic Control. The same goes for reflective material that can be sewn into clothing. Both accessories shine in the spotlight at long range. The tape costs two Euros, the yarn 1.70 Euros per five meters.

Reflective running shoe light the way in the dark

If you like and enduring Runs, and often gets into the darkness, knows the importance of reflective clothing is to be always seen by motorists. To even be able to read the way to the feet and to avoid falls, there are, among others, head lamps that light the way. The team of Night Runner, however, has now developed a thoroughly practical lighting for running shoes.

 

LED module can infect shoe flap

Powerful LEDs are attached to the modified running shoes that enable a beam length of up to 30 meters and a radius of 270 degrees. With the shoes you cannot just enough to illuminate the upcoming path, but are also more visible to drivers and bikers. A red LED light and reflective tape sets the shoes visually from sideways. These can be recharged via micro USB cable. The shelf life of a battery charge should be between four and eight hours. It depends on how light setting the LEDs.

 

Doug Store and Renate have developed the shining shoes. The idea came to Doug after he fell during training for the New York Marathon in a hole and injured there. About Kick starter, the two inventors want $ 35,000 to collect the running shoe lighting to make mass market compatible. For 50 US dollars you can save them as supporters a few of the Night Runner shoe lights. The first products are to be delivered in September, 2015. In de pitch video you see the shoes, including lighting in action. Pretty cool would be the way to be able to generate the required energy for the lighting itself. Perhaps this suggestion with reflective material is taken into account at the next generation.

Visibility on the road means safety

In the darker season there is an increased risk of accidents for pedestrians. Poor visibility, changing weather conditions and dark clothing are the main cause of accidents at dusk. The Austrian Road Safety Board gives tips on how to do in the winter months most visible and prevents accidents.

 

Although pedestrians, brightly lit car from afar, they themselves are often perceived contrast, only very late of automotive handlebars. Simple tools are bright and equipped with reflectors clothing. Pedestrian wearing clothing with reflectors can be seen for a motorist with low beam already from 150 meters away. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing, however, can only be seen from 20 to 30 meters, that is often too late to react accordingly.

 

Danger on the crosswalk

The poor visibility is particularly at crosswalks cause of many accidents. “In the dark, still many a protection path leads a nondescript wallflower – with increased risk of pedestrian studies show a much lower at night stopping readiness of the vehicle driver before pedestrian crossings than in daylight In poorly lit pedestrian crossings of the handlebar will to pedestrians is to give priority, even.. A third less present as well-lit at therefore important for survival for pedestrians equation is. “Visibility is safety,” explains Florien Schneider, prevention consultant in the PRR.

 

Reflectors set standards

Final so the mousy revelers! Not only the optimum illumination of the protection path itself can be lifesaving, his customers can actively help to protect their lives in the dark: With reflective material clothing at night pedestrians are much more visible and therefore safer on the road.

 

While walking, Nordic walking or even when working in the road space (snow shovels, hedge trimming, etc.) it is recommended to make them “visible”. “Think of the reflective material not only when you are along rural roads as a pedestrian on the road, but also in urban areas, because 90 percent of pedestrian accidents occur in the villages We therefore recommend that all pedestrians and cyclists. Apply to your own protective light-colored clothing and reflective materials, “concludes Schneider.

 

Safety tips

Clothe yourself in twilight and in the dark as bright as possible!

Reflectors should radiate around to make pedestrians also visible from the side. They do not cost much and bring an enormous increase in safety at dusk and in the dark.

Reflective clothing alone is useless if you do not behave safety conscious!

Search on crossing always make eye contact with the driver!

Reflective clothing makes Pedestrians safer at night

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in autumn and winter – beware in the dark. Those in the dark are not seen – except, they wear reflective clothing.

 

In the dark season, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to road traffic. The statistics show that the number of pedestrians killed in 523 in 2014 died more than every third (219) in the months of November to January, warns the accident research of the insurers (UDV).

 

Pedestrians are particularly at risk on the mostly badly or not illuminated country roads, four-fifths of the 2014 killed passers-by died there. On a dark country road, if possible, you should not walk if there is no separate walkway. And wear a reflective vest can make you be seen easily and keep you safer.

 

But also in the mostly better-lit inner city area, the risk of being killed is higher for pedestrians in the months of November to March, according to the insurance association, almost twice as high as in the other months. Anyone who is on foot should wear clothes that are as light or reflective as possible. Parents should pay attention to the equipment of reflective material with children’s clothes, shoes and school bags. Crossing pedestrian streets should only be crossed at a well lit location and never parked by vehicles.

Magic Vision: reflective clothing for visibility

Better visibility in the dark

Using reflective fabric and high-contrast colors in the visible zones offers the Magic Vision line visibility and an extra dose of style during training.

 

Few things are more important in autumn and winter to be seen as of other road users. Bright clothing or reflective strips are essential. The traditional French brand Magic has recently unveiled its new vision collection, in which the developers have adopted exactly this problem.

 

Helmet, vest, leg, knee and arm warmers and gloves Vision series bear all the unmistakable signature of Magic designers while ensuring a good visibility on the road. To the products besides the classic white-silver-colored reflective strips and elements in Magic yellow are attached. Both together is to make visible and protect against accidents at dusk cyclists.

 

Particularly striking is designed the vest. She has a figure hugging fit, a good temperature management and is waterproof. The light yellow zones are placed so that one is seen best in riding position. There are also more reflective material for better visibility at night. In trade, the Magic Vision Vest costs 130 Euros and is available from the beginning of the 2017.

Pedestrian: Light clothing and reflectors are important

It gets dark early and late light: In the winter time pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in traffic. Bright clothing and reflective material provide better visibility.

 

Only a few days ago suffered a pedestrian, after being hit by a car, fatal injuries. In general, the trend in accidents, are involved in the pedestrian, rising since 2015 again. Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 27 persons who were recorded on our roads of vehicles, mortally wounded.

 

There were the six in 2011 and 2012 and five in 2013. 2014, the number dropped to three deaths, with seven victims of the peak was reached in the same period last year. Also in terms of the number of seriously injured pedestrians, it has risen in the last year dramatically, to 52 against 35 in, 2014.

Darkness, rain, fog

 

Particularly dangerous for the weakest link in the road is the cold season: darkness, rain and fog are factors that increase the risk. Carries a pedestrian dark clothes, a driver recognizes him only from a distance of about 25 meters. Far too often, this is too late…

 

Therefore, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure and recommend that one should dress bright and use reflectors, which are available in various forms and can be applied to umbrellas, shoes or clothing. Last Sunday, on the occasion of an action 2,500 reflective armbands were distributed in the capital.

 

Tips for Motorists

One should always be on the move in the opposite lane on highways. Here in the dark is wearing a safety vest – how they have incidentally always in the car with him must – mandatory. If you are traveling with a dog, should provide it with a reflective collar.

Addressed to the drivers it’s like to drive a reasonable speed, turn on the low beam when visibility is poor and keep the windows clean.

Volvo launches reflective spray for cyclists

Very involved in the field of road safety, Volvo has developed a reflective aerosol for cyclists: in a single gesture, they become phosphorescent at night and therefore more visible to other road users.

 

The figures speak for themselves. In Britain, more than 19,000 cyclists have been involved in an accident on the road. In France, 1 cyclist killed on 4 died following a collision with a vehicle.

 

A reality that may soon change thanks to an invention is made by Volvo. The latter has developed a spray that, when reflective material sprayed on his bike, his helmet and even his clothes, allow cyclists to take a night trip by being more visible to motorists.

 

“Life Paint”: a descriptive name

Called “Life Painting”, the spray is invisible on the day but reflects light of night lights. The pulverized product is washable, no abyss or painting bike or textiles and is effective up to a week.

 

The Swedish manufacturer has demonstrated an objective that is clear and ambitious: no user killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020, thanks to a better sharing of the road. As stated so well Paint Life slogan: “The best way to survive a crash is not crash”. To translate, the best way to survive an accident is to not have … Simply!

 

For now, only 2000 sprays are sold in six stores based in London and Kent. If the reflective product has the desired success, the distribution points multiply internationally.

Airbag reflective vest for motorcycle

Used in competition, the biker airbag vest by reflective material for the private individuals. A bit constraining to put on the first times, it is discreet to use and, above all, it does not bother the driver.

 

Specializing in bike equipment, Dinesen offers an airbag, D-Air Street, designed to protect the back, clavicles and thorax in case of an accident. Sensors, installed on the fork and under the seat, record the movements of the two-wheeler before being analyzed by a central computer. Thus, according to the manufacturer, the system is able to recognize all the critical situations: fall alone, rear impact, frontal or lateral impact… The life jacket swells in a maximum of 45 milliseconds. But the main interest of this new waistcoat is that the connection between the system and the waistcoat is wireless, which leaves a total freedom of movement. The other visible part of the device, the screen installed on the handlebar and which makes it possible to control the correct operation of the system is rather unsightly and too bulky. And all the more so because it provides only two really interesting information: the level of charge of the battery of the vest and the correct connection between the safety vest and the system.

 

The waistcoat also has autonomy of about 10 hours, a delay that we have actually observed. Let us hope that over the months, even years, it remains of the same order. However, in order to preserve the battery life of the life jacket, it will be necessary to switch off after every use. Similarly, it is advisable to switch it on only when installed on the two-wheeler to ensure good interaction with the control unit. An annoying detail: if the motor cuts off when the connection has already been established, in the event of a stall, for example, it will then be necessary to switch off and then turn the vest on again so that a new connection can be established. However, this operation is easy and the switch is easy to handle even with a large winter glove.

 

At the time of purchase, attention should be paid to the size of the vest because it is necessary to predict the differences in thickness between the summer and winter clothing. However, since it has wide elastics, it accepts size differences, but you should not take too large a size if you buy it in winter (and vice versa if you buy it in summer). Finally, once the habit of donning it, we appreciated the maintenance offered by D-Air Street thanks, in particular, to a very effective backbone. And, its yellow reflective back is also a not insignificant in terms of security because it makes it visible from a distance.

Prevention of safety vest before crackdown cyclists

The Strasbourg cyclists are encouraged to equip themselves with the arrival of winter. Lighting is mandatory remind the authorities, the protections of safety vest are highly recommended…

 

Fines could fall with the arrival of winter. The urban community, the public prosecutor and the national police have conducted an awareness campaign to cyclists (100,000 bicycles commuting identified, 12% of Strasbourg travel), Wednesday afternoon, on the deck of the Raven. Promoting livings together -cyclists, pedestrians, automobilists, remember the safety rules and mandatory equipment and announce the reinforcement of cyclists controls.

 

This Wednesday is so no verbalization but of prevention. And that’s good for this father carrying his daughter on the rack and son on the handlebars of his bike. If its lighting equipment is regulations, this behavior does not leave insensitive municipal police that control. All three leave on foot.

 

“See and be seen”

Geraldine, she leaves the deck of the Raven with small lamps distributed during this awareness campaign. The cycle of the young woman had many lights but no reflectors and other reflective material. It also accepts good to burn his bike. “I do not know if it will change anything but I prefer to do it, I’m already fly me four or five bikes,” says cyclist makes daily Kutenai-Les to work and moves only two -Wheels.

 

“See and be seen is essential for their protection and that of others,” says Michel, the prosecutor indicating the return of “repression adapted to remind cyclists the reality of things.” “The undervalued fines have had some effect, said Alain Winter, deputy regional director of public safety. In 2012, in 62% of cases, cyclists were responsible for the accident in which they were involved.”

 

The prosecutor incentive to operate a helmet and clothing with a reflective vest (mandatory open road and when there is a defect agglomeration visibility). He ton when he lists “careless and unaware” of cyclists that circulate with headphones on ears, calling or burn a fire or do not stop at a stop sign.