“Police” vests – bigger problems than you might think

The motorcyclist should visually emphasize his presence on the road, preferably with reflective material elements – there is no doubt here. They usually appear when drivers choose quite controversial designs, which are associated with the uniforms of state services, such as very popular vests with the inscription “Poland”.

Although the inscription “Poland” itself is not controversial in any way, everyone driving behind, before they can read it, automatically slows down. Large numbers of Polish motorcyclists are happy to use it, although there were cases when the police officers had a serious problem with it during the inspection. Anyway – our resemblance to officers does not end with these innocent yellow safety vests. There sometimes appears the inscription Police, referring to the city near Szczecin. There are also blue reflective stripes attached to the sides of the vehicles. This is an evident stop.

In any case, dressing up in this way usually ends with an instruction. A completely different situation has recently taken place in Great Britain. 47-year-old Darren Emanuel, a respected financial advisor, rode his BMW R1200RT wearing a white helmet and a vest with the inscription Polite (polite) and a characteristic checkerboard pattern. What’s more, his motorcycle also came from a police demobilization – so we have a ready set that heralds trouble.

The motorcyclist was stopped by a passing police patrol and strongly advised of the impropriety of his actions, and then released. Darren, convinced of the legality of his outfit, decided to complain to the police station. At that moment a real avalanche started.

He was officially accused of attempted fraud and the case went to court. The insurance company found out about everything and canceled his motorcycle policy. The court admitted that Darren did not want to cheat anyone, but the case was conditionally discontinued and ordered the motorcyclist to pay court costs, in the amount of over PLN 3,000. The worst, however, is that because of the accusation, his contract at work was not extended, and when the owner of his rented apartment learned about everything, he also lost his roof.

So as you can see, it’s worth taking care of your safety, but more thoughtfully.

The new line of reflective clothing makes pedestrians “light up like a Christmas tree”

November tends to be the most dangerous month of the year for pedestrians.

Daylight savings time has just ended and drivers are still adjusting to darker conditions at rush hour. Last year there were 37 pedestrian collisions (fatal and injury) in Edmonton during November, more than twice July’s total.

Irene Dixon, the creator of Reflective Advantage — a reflective garments line that launched this week — wants to prevent future collisions by making pedestrians more visible.

“You can’t prevent every accident, but you can give yourself an advantage,” she said.

A few years ago, Dixon was startled several times while out walking her two West Highland terriers on the roads by her home near Stony Plain. She would jump into ditches and pull the dogs down with her to get out of the way of speeding cars. She also had a few close calls behind the wheel, failing to spot pedestrians, some clad in black clothing, from far away.

As a nurse working in intensive care and neurology units, she saw the broken bones, burns and head injuries coming from car crashes and how the trauma of those accidents affected patients and their families.

Searching for solutions, she found only bulky safety apparel and expensive athletic gear with tiny reflective logos on the chest. She bought a reflective vest but didn’t like the fit or feel, so she started sewing more stylish options herself. First, she made dog coats with bright, high-visibility fabric for her Westies, Piper and McDuff. Drivers slowed down, even started smiling and waving at her and the dogs, so she made more items — walking vests with pockets and scarves with reflective stripes and stars.

“When you wear this, you light up like a Christmas tree,” Dixon said, twirling a commuter scarf around her neck. The $ 20 scarves have reflective material sewn and stuck to both sides and they come in different colors and styles.

Advertising campaigns asking pedestrians to take responsibility for being seen have drawn criticism in recent years. Last year, the City of Edmonton abandoned a proposed billboard ad that would have encouraged people to wear more reflective clothing. City spokesperson Gary Dyck told the Journal the ad was nixed after it received poor feedback from a panel of citizens who comment on city policies. A provincial traffic safety campaign reminding pedestrians to lock eyes with drivers before walking also drew criticism this fall.

Dixon, well aware of these debates, said she’s not out to blame pedestrians or remove the responsibility of drivers. She knows the city has adopted “Vision Zero,” a goal to eliminate all deaths and major injuries caused by car collisions, and is adding more pedestrian signals, improving left-turn signal timing and installing more driver feedback signs in high collision areas.

“All of those things take a lot of time and a lot of money,” she said.

“In the meantime, I want to allow myself and my friends to somehow protect ourselves.”

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

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

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

Abroad, reflective elements have saved many lives

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to increase visibility (pedestrians and cyclists)

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

The new school year starts

Approximately 2,600 children are likely to be enrolled this year in the area of ​​responsibility of the police inspection Delmenhorst / Oldenburg-Land / Wesermarsch. For them, the school routine begins with their school enrollment on Saturday, 17 August. For all other school children, the new school year starts on Thursday. On this occasion, the police appeals to all road users and calls for special caution and consideration. Especially at the beginning of the school year must be reckoned with thoughtless actions of the “newbies”. In particular, parents are asked to practice the right behavior in traffic with their children. For example, they can already go out together in advance and discuss special danger spots. It is also important that the parents ensure that their children are easily identifiable. This can in the form of glowing safety vests, collars or satchel covers. Even bright outerwear, preferably with reflective stripes, is helpful.

Parents should also practice with children who are brought to school by bus. Again, there are sources of danger, where they have to keep an eye on passing traffic. The children must learn that they have to pay attention to cyclists and pedestrians when getting off the bus. Especially important: Never cross the road directly in front of or directly behind the bus.

Children who are brought to school by car must be properly secured. Up to the age of 12 and a height of fewer than 1.50 meters, a suitable child seat is mandatory. Missing or insufficient securing of children in the car can be punished with up to 70 euros. The entry and exit should only be done on the side facing away from traffic. Parents should also consider carefully whether it is necessary to drive their children to school by car. Less traffic helps to prevent the dangerous traffic chaos in front of the schools.

To give children the safest possible start into everyday school life, the police will focus more and more on school trips, especially in the first few weeks. Of course, monitoring the prescribed speed limits will be one of the priorities of the police. The city of Delmenhorst, as well as the rural districts of Oldenburg and Wesermarsch, will also carry out speed checks and measurements near the elementary schools.

Furthermore, compliance with child safety regulations in motor vehicles is checked. Also, the police have, among other things, violations of the holding and parking regulations in the school environment and the area of ​​school routes in view.

Gymnastics party in the Reimann primary school

On the 19th of August, the new school year begins. This is also the enrollment date for many first graders. The appointment is still going on for a long time. Because in advance there is much to organize. On the 9th of March, parents will be able to find out about everything that belongs to the beginning of the child’s childhood and must be considered, at the 15th Ranzenfete in the Reimanngrundschule.

 

The new satchels have all the chicanes: height-adjustable risers, waist and waist straps, magnetic closures, reflective stripes, insulated lunch boxes. The exact fit and back-friendly, it is important to avoid postural damage, knows Anka Wieduwilt, who organizes the 15th Sanzenfete. She presents the new satchel models together with a manufacturer. She also has sugar packets with different motifs, which the parents can fill and decorate. The trend is motives such as unicorn, dinosaurs, horses, football, police or fire, but also dragons and robots.

 

The 85 centimeters large bags sweeten the beginning of school. As well as the special sugar cake and motif cakes bakery pastry chef Susan Grube from Zeulenroda. The demand had increased after the turnaround. “We try to make everything possible what parents and children want,” she says. There are pies with trend motifs like Mignons, Unicorn, Tractor, Cars. But on the cake can also be printed on edible paper images of your own child or other motives are attached. Figures modeled pit of marzipan covers the pies with fondant, fills them with light creams of all imaginable flavors. She likes to advise customers. “The sooner they come, the better.” Because she already has orders for 2020. At the Ranzenfete she runs a small café where visitors can rest. Sweet things may be exceptional. But in general, children should eat healthily. Sindy Zimmermann explains this and shows parents what belongs to a balanced school breakfast. The classic school bread is not a bad thing, says the expert. Ideally, it should be made from wholegrain and instead of fat sausage or cheese, parents should think about alternatives such as skim milk products, low-calorie spreads, such as eggplant and cream cheese, or lentils and vegetables. Zimmermann uses a riddle to show how much sugar some foods contain, such as sweet drinks. Better are tea, diluted fruit spritzer or water flavored with fruit or herbs. “You have to take time for healthy food,” she says. But it serves better performance and concentration.

 

At the Ranzenfete on Saturday, from 1 to 5 pm, there will be a fashion show, decoration tips, music-sharing fun, information on the topic of safe ways to school, in addition to these three topics. a magic show, a raffle, face painting, fashion tips and more.

Free gadgets for the ordination of two-wheelers in the church

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

As we have informed you earlier CLICK HERE on May 13, 2018, on Sunday after Mass. at. 11:30 in the church of the parish Andrzej Bobola at Al. March. J. Piłsudskiego 248/252 in Marki – Struga a solemn dedication of motorcycles, bicycles and other two-wheelers will take place.

 

It will be a kind of the start of the motorcycle and bicycle season and a request for happy participation in road traffic.

 

Attention! For those cyclists who will come to dedicate vehicles to Strugę – Department of Supervision and Prophylaxis of Traffic Office of the Police Headquarters – he has prepared for FREE special gifts – improving road safety. And they are reflective sachets, reflective vests, reflective stripes, for which we thank you very much. In addition, you will be able to receive the calendars and leashes.

Mandatory glare – wear a reflective vest at night

From August 31st, anyone who goes to a non-built-up area after dark uses a glare – reflective clothes. This is the effect of the amendment of the law on traffic. There is no mercy – if you are not visible, you will get a mandate.

 

From Sunday the police will check whether we are in the dark. Therefore, if you are planning to return after dusk outside the built-up area, you need to get reflective.

“It does not have to be a whole yellow vest, you can have an armband, a tinsel, a pendant that has reflective elements,” says Marcela Swede from traffic department of Police Headquarters in Katowice.

 

Such a thing must be pinned when we walk on the side. If we walk on the sidewalk in a built-up area, we do not need to have glare. In any other case, you need to provide a reflective element. Reflect must be visible from afar. “It could be a band, a spot of light, a belt sewn in a jacket, a vest,” Marcela adds.

If we do not have it, they will sign us a mandate. The forks range from $ 20 to $ 500, depending on the risk.

 

Remember this:

  1. You do not necessarily have to wear a yellow reflective vest. It is important that you have a fluorescent band. Available in the market are in colors: yellow, white, blue. The bicyclists put on their legs and hands, so you can do it too.

 

  1. Ladies can attach small reflective pendants to their bags. Such beams in the spotlight can be seen from afar. It’s a sign to the driver that walking is moving along the way. Men can wear armbands, on legs or waistcoats, which we will buy for 5-10 zł.

 

  1. The youngest child can buy reflective teddy bears, elephants that flash. The point is to attract the attention of road traffic. The cost of buying such a gadget is 3 to 5 zł. We put it in a prominent place, on a backpack, a jacket or a bag that holds a toddler going home.

 

  1. When buying a jacket for autumn, you should choose one that already has reflective stripes sewn on. Many sports shops have such covers for sale. If you do not have such a jacket, you can wear a reflective tape and wear a jacket or a school bag in trimmings.

 

  1. If you are not at twilight, you will be able to get a mandate by moving in undeveloped areas. From 20 to 500 zł. The amount we get depends on the policeman and on the threat that we caused. The participant of the traffic is not only a driver on the road, but also a pedestrian.

 

 

Reflective vest for cyclists and when required

There must wear a safety vest or suspenders when you go on a bike out of town, half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Are the new rules of the Highway Code?

 

Vest obligation and braces

For all cyclists be seen in the dark is not only advisable, but also mandatory.

The Highway Code prohibits from circular time of bicycles which lack appropriate visual signaling devices: white front light, or yellow; headlight and red rear reflector; yellow reflectors on the pedals and the wheels or sides. Recent changes to the Highway Code prescribe also now required to wear a reflective vest or suspenders (as those who must always keep in the car to use them in case of emergency stop) for those who go by bike in the following cases:

– Out of town for half an hour before sunset to half an hour before sunrise;

– In tunnels.

 

Increase security by bicycle

Improve its visibility cycling increases your safety: therefore, both in town and out, it is always advisable to wear clothing with reflective stripes or bands; or add to the bike flashing lights, though not mandatory.

A “kit” visibility is acquired by about 10 EUR: 3.50 euro x bracelet / leg, 5 euro for the vest, 6 Euros for rear flashing light. Little money and very well spent.

SAG innovates to create a retro reflective accessories magazine

Released March 3, 2016, the UP Shoes issue of the magazine cover uses ink and unique printing process that allow France to emulate reflective stripes shoes.

 

Japell Hanser SAG, based in Essonne, like sheep with five legs. So when the agency Agency requested the printing group for a magazine cover with an ink retro reflective the image of a model of Converse shoes released recently, he did not hesitate.

 

Inspired by the posters of a magic festival, the text appears only the light of the flash (more on  a magic festival creates great magical posters ), the Paris-based agency was looking for Shoes UP,  quarterly on urban culture, a printer capable of creating a cover that reflect light to promote Converse shoes.

 

This effect, used in the fashion world, is obtained with beads retro reflective lenses microphones. Christophe, Executive Officer at SAG specializes in screen printing, said: “This is done on the reflective fabric for T-shirts and shoes, among others, but never had it done in France on paper”. Several tests were needed to develop this ink special because “this is not a product that is easy to handle.”

 

He explains: “We have filed microphones beads retro reflective of some particular way because the agency wanted the contrary magic posters they see no need to flash so we mixed with particles.”

Then the ink was applied, covers printed located in the Pas-de-Calais, in screen printing, but unusual way. These are not UV inks that have been used, but conventional inks. The solvent evaporates, only the reflective material remains and therefore the effect is even brighter.

And blankets are distributed in the north for cutting, creasing and pinning.

Posters have also been made with the same process to promote this number 49 Shoes UP newsstand.

Mandatory bicycle equipment: reflective accessory for your safety

This is Mr. Bike his company! Our contributor Tanguy, inveterate cyclist urban, moves motorbikes in the streets of Paris. It tells you more about the essential equipment to have to travel by bicycle.

 

The tips and habits are variable in terms of safety equipment, but the Highway Code imposes certain elements. Here it is mandatory to have on his bike, on the understanding that this is a minimum equipment list and there is no limitation! In short, you need a minimum:

A white light in front and a red light at the rear;

A reflective vest if you drive at night outside built;

Two brakes in good condition;

 

Lighting in good condition

For night riding a bicycle must be equipped with a white light in front and a red light at the back. These lights are supposed to be fixed and not flashing. But the situation is somewhat unclear, insofar as flashing lights approved in other European countries are normally acceptable in France. Flashing lights attract more attention, but they reduce the ability to predict the trajectories in an unlit environment, the way a strobe. In any event, the lights usually have a fixed mode, and possibly a flashing mode, then to choose between.

 

White light Also point out that it is essential to respect the planned colors:  white front and red rear. Drive a red light on the front is not only unacceptable but also dangerous, because then flows the opposite of what is provided for other users. Additional lights such as brake lights, turn signals for changes in direction or beam lights can be useful but are not mandatory.

The visibility of equipment

 

In addition to the active light, the bike must be equipped with passive reflectors for good signaling. First a white front and a red rear (Article R313-20 and R313-18.), Often integrated with lights; at least one amber reflector on each wheel (R313-19) allowing it to be seen from the side and some on the edges of the pedals, which are normally supplied with.

 

Finally, for night driving outside urban areas, the rider must be of a high visibility vest, neon yellow with reflective strips. Additional devices such as reflective strips glued or beam reflectors, can be useful but they are not mandatory.

Reflectors and back reflection

The reflectors and reflective tape are particular features of retro-reflection. To understand what it is, we can compare two types of thinking.

 

Diffuse reflection: the white shirt

Illuminated by the headlights of a car, the T-shirt of a cyclist diffuses light of headlights in all directions, so it appears white both for the driver and a pedestrian on the edge of the roadway.

 

The retro-reflection: the reflector

Illuminated by the headlights, reflectors reflect the light in the direction of the light source, which is to say to the car, where they appear bright, as if it were acting electrical fires! On the contrary, a passerby, the reflector will appear dark, as if he was not informed.

 

To understand the interest of the retro-reflection, it is easy to experiment at home. Take your yellow vest and hang it on a coat rack leaving the reflective stripes prominently. Then, grab a flashlight and stay away from five meters. Then lighten the vest, holding the lamp near your head and admire how you shine when you are illuminated by the headlights of a car!

Vests are also dyed fluorescent yellow, which also has a very special way:

 

Ordinary color

Under lighting, ordinary objects return certain colors from the light and absorb the rest. Thus, a green shirt essentially returns the green light. White is a special case, which returns all colors and absorbs very little light, so that one can hardly imagine how brighter…

 

Fluorescent color

In the same light, a yellow vest does not just return the yellow component of the light. It also absorbs the rest of the light, but converts some extra yellow light, they then returns, so it appears brighter than a white object, but only in yellow color!

 

Finally, far from being a secondary accessory, the bell is also part of the mandatory equipment. Article R 313-33 indicates that it can be heard 50 meters, but without specifying the sound environment concerned. The key is therefore to be properly understood without the risk of pedestrians jump on his handlebars. This would also not consistent with the text that requires a stamp or a bell!

This is self-evident, but bicycle must be equipped with two efficient brakes as indicated in Article R315-3 of the Highway Code. It is therefore necessary to maintain its brakes repaired, provided that the shoe soles are not effective braking devices!