Do you see me?

Seeing and being seen is vital to our roads. After all, 205 children died in road traffic in Remscheid, Solingen, and Wuppertal last year, 91 of them as pedestrians, 17 children as cyclists and 97 as passengers.

The evaluation of all children’s accidents also shows that children are often overtaxed in road traffic: obstructions, parking vehicles, and sudden lane entry create dangerous situations. Speeds and distances of vehicles are often not properly assessed by children. At the same time, there is always an increased risk of being overlooked by children on the road, especially in the dark season!

From Monday, 19.11.2018, until Friday, 23.11.2018, children of different kindergartens and elementary schools will be standing at the roadside in front of their facilities again and passing motorists will ask: Do you see me?

With the onset of the dark season, light and reflective clothing with reflective tapes are particularly important. Therefore, the children wear reflective vests, hold self-made posters and attract attention to a variety of other actions.

The aim of the road safety actions in Wuppertal, Remscheid, and Solingen is to sensitize the children and parents, but above all also the drivers and to inform about dangers for children and abilities of children on the road.

Tips for the dark season

The summer is over, the road users now have to adjust to autumn fog, ground frost, snowfall, and correspondingly slippery roads. To get you safely through the dark season, the police advise:

See and be seen

As the days get shorter, accidents often occur due to poor vehicle lighting or because you, as a pedestrian or cyclist without reflective material, are not seen in time.

The modern automatic light system does not detect fog and bad weather. Switch on the dipped beam during the day as well. Make sure you have clean windows, good wiper blades and a sufficiently full water tank, so you always have the right view.

As a pedestrian or cyclist, wear bright, reflective clothing or reflective vest. As a cyclist, check whether your lighting works and whether the prescribed reflectors are mounted.

Do not overtake. Turn on the rear fog lamp only when visibility is less than 50 meters, so as not to dazzle the traffic behind. For visibility under 50 meters, the maximum permissible speed of 50 km / h is also outside built-up areas.

If you have not raised any winter tires yet, you endanger yourself and others. Anyone who is traveling on snow, ice or frosted tires with summer tires also risks fines, points and insurance cover. With snow and ice, the braking distance is four times longer. Drive very carefully and keep your distance, avoid abrupt steering and braking maneuvers.

Think of whisk and ice scraper. Before driving, clear the windows, lights, and roof from ice and snow so that you have unrestricted visibility and do not endanger the traffic behind.

There is a lot of danger in the winter pedestrian

Winter is not only for the driver but also for pedestrians, a much more challenging and dangerous period than the rest of the year. There is more darkness, pedestrians on the road are not visible, pavements and roads are often icy and slippery, which can cause accidents and unpleasant injuries.

“Pedestrians should not underestimate in particular the reflective vests that can in many cases prevent a serious traffic accident. Likewise, they must pay increased attention to road and pavement traffic, especially during the pre-Christmas hustle, “says Olga from TSK. So beware of the three major risks that winter brings with you.

In the dark, the driver does not see you.

Reflective materials are an important safety supplement not only for children. For all pedestrians outside the village, they are even obliged to move on the side or edge of the road in a place where there is no public lighting under reduced visibility. But wearing them will not spoil anything in the city. For the driver, the pedestrian in the glare of the wet road lights is very poorly visible and easily overlooked over the still stained glass.

Most suitable are reflective elements to mark the ends of the sleeves, the waist and the area between the ankles and knees. We should see from any angle. The range of reflective fabrics is really wide nowadays and can be made from reflective tapes, reflectors, reflective clothing, backpacks or stickers.

When traveling on the road, the pedestrian should definitely not rely only on the driver’s reaction. The braking distance of a car is prolonged in bad weather, so even if the pedestrian-driver notices in time, avoiding a tragic accident may no longer be in his power. As pedestrians, we should in our own interest, ensure safe movement through communication.

Let us recall two basic rules for crossing: a pedestrian is obliged to use a pedestrian crossing, subway or pedestrian whenever it is not more than 50 meters away, and in the case of a pedestrian crossing it must not enter the pedestrian crossing just before the arriving vehicle and at the same time does not take precedence over trams and vehicles driving with a lit blue beacon.

Where there is no possibility to walk along the pavement, they always go against the direction of the arriving vehicles and individually behind each other. However, this does not apply to an organized group of pedestrians who, according to traffic regulations, must move on the right side of the road.

Beware of your cell phone and headphones.

Many traffic accidents are caused by pedestrians being disturbed and not concentrating on events around them. Often they pay their attention to a cell phone or have headphones in their ears. This limits their two main senses to warn them of potential dangers – eyesight and hearing, and in short, thoughtlessly enters the road ahead of the passing vehicle.

Although we live in modern technology and listen to music, radio or watching social videos on a walk can shorten us for a long time, we should take care of our safety. Therefore, whenever we move on a road or at a crossing, but also on bicycle paths and other roads, it is important to pay full attention to traffic and not to use the mobile phone or the headphones.

How about advantage

Extremely cautious we should be pedestrians, especially pedestrians. The wet or snowy paint that is used on them is very slippery and the car behaves like it on ice.

“It is certainly not good to rely on the fact that the arriving car always stops safely and gives us the priority. In order to make sure that the incoming driver really registers, we should make eye contact with him, and then, after stopping completely, the road safely to go. It is also important to remember that pedestrian crossing has no priority over tram. It’s just the opposite, the tram always has priority, “says Olga.

Slowly means safer!

One accident with a fatal outcome is the balance of the last few days on the roads. Because of the difficult driving conditions, the police are calling for caution.

“Deteriorating road conditions require more caution and increased concentration from drivers. Falling snow, slippery surface makes drivers take their feet off the gas. In these conditions, visibility is limited and the braking distance is significantly longer. ” says Sgt. Staff. Anna, spokeswoman for the police.

That is why it is so important to adjust the speed to the prevailing conditions and check the technical condition of your car before leaving. It is very important to take care of the appropriate field of view. Remember to clean your car’s windows and mirrors from snow, ice and other dirt.

Be especially careful on the road, especially after dark. Pedestrians are unprotected road users who, when adverse weather conditions become less visible to drivers.

Special police appeal also directs pedestrians not to go directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, you must first make sure that the driver will manage to slow down.

Every pedestrian should also remember about his safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, keychain, headband or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming driver when moving on a poorly lit road.

“We remind you about the obligation to use reflective tapes by pedestrians traveling on roads outside built-up areas, but it is always worth having them with you. Using reflective materials improve visibility, and thus security,” says KPP spokesperson.

Only from Monday, December 17 to Friday, December 21, there were 21 collisions and one fatal accident on the roads. The police arrested 5 registration documents due to poor technical condition of vehicles, 1 for lack of technical tests and 4 due to the collision.

The non-adaptation of speed to road conditions, excessive speed, driving a car after alcohol, as well as reckless drivers are still the main causes of road collisions and accidents. Many of the drivers risk their health and, worst of all, their own lives and other road users: drivers, passengers, traveling with parents, children, and pedestrians. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous.

Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe the speed limits, and when weather conditions are worse, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. Let us be extremely careful so that unnecessary tragedies do not occur.

Ten tips to travel safely this Christmas

During this Christmas, some 17 million trips are estimated. The objective, and most importantly, is that you arrive at your destination without any incident. The technical team of the firm TÜV Rhineland offers a series of tips to prevent accidents.

  1. Have everything in order. The first thing is to check all the documents of the vehicle, such as the driving license, the last ITV, the insurance or that the driving license has not expired.
  2. Check the vehicle. The car or motorcycle must be ready. A look at the levels, the pressure of the tires (and in passing a check that they are not worn) or check the status of the lights is more than advisable when putting on the road.
  3. Equip the car correctly. By law, you must wear at least one reflective vest with reflective tapes and two approved triangles of danger signageor other reflective materials in case of failure. A scraper for snow or ice and gloves is advisable if traveling to cold places.
  4. Plan the route. Knowing in advance the way of travel is the best way to not hesitate at a certain time. Choosing before leaving a specific place for a rest stop will avoid problems.
  5. Look at the state of the roads. With the apps or web pages that information in real time of the traffic situation, it will help us to avoid sections with retentions.
  6. Check the time. If we are going to move to the mountain or there is some snow warning, it is essential to wear winter or all-purpose chains or tires. It is advisable to travel during the day and not to let the fuel tank empty; A car charger for the car and a blanket are good tools.
  7. Respect safety regulations. Although it seems obvious, it never hurts to remember such basic rules as to respect the speed limits, the safety distance or to keep your eyes on the road.
  8. At the wheel, no alcohol or drugs. At this time of year, as in any other, when driving no alcohol or drugs.
  9. The five senses, at the wheel. 35% of accidents that occur in Spain are due to the driver’s inattention. During the journey, no mobile, smoking, configure the browser or other examples such as not turning to talk to children in the rear seats or find something in the glove compartment.
  10. Rest every two hours. Fatigue or drowsiness are not good companions. To make a stop of ten minutes every two hours is important, just as meals are light, especially if it coincides with nap time.

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.

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.