Tag: road safety

People is obliged to use reflective material at dusk

Every pedestrian, moving around the dusk along the way outside the built-up area, is obliged to use reflective material – such a provision is included in the amended Act on Road Traffic, which entered into force on Sunday.

 

Until now, only children under the age of 15 had the obligation to wear reflections. Now it has been extended to all pedestrians who will move around the dusk outside the built-up area. The pedestrian will be able to move without reflective elements at dusk only on the road intended exclusively for him or on the sidewalk or in the residential area, where the pedestrian takes precedence over the vehicle.

 

From Sunday, persons who do not comply with the new regulations may face a fine of 20 to 500 zlotys. Baronies, president of the Partnership for Road Safety stressed that this is a very important amendment. It is good that for the first time such a change appeared in the law, because shaping awareness is one thing, and the legal requirement is second and good if the legal requirement coincides with that awareness – he said.

 

He remarked, however, that a lot of work was still needed to make society aware of the importance of the problem. It is not just about fulfilling the duty and wearing any kind of reflection, just to wear something that is actually visible, that is, a sufficiently large, appropriately good quality material – he added.

 

The police officers, who are hardly visible to the driver, point out that the pedestrian, who moves on a dark road without reflections, is practically invisible. The driver is able to notice such a person only from a distance of 20-30 meters. However, if the pedestrian has reflective tapes, the driver can already see it from over 150 m.

Reflective vest protect the cyclists safe

Policemen in safety vest with the participation of the Head of the Venice Commune, members of the Association for Children, Youth and Their Families, the Educational Institution Team in Wanaka “PRZYSTANEK WINNICA”, Volunteer Fire Brigades and WOPR employees started the next cycling season. As part of the “MY BICYCLE – MY LIFE” activities, the uniforms and inhabitants of the Wanaka commune took part in the bike rally, 12 April.

 

It is well known that the form of learning through play is best remembered by the youngest. Participants of the project could see for themselves, and many attractions awaited them. We started with a short theory lesson. The police officers paid attention to the need to use reflective material and to comply with the provisions of the two-wheeler. They discussed the most common offenses committed by unprotected road users, gave tips on how to proceed to be safe on the road. The mayor also appealed for reason and prudence. After the lecture, the police officers in the Road Traffic Department checked the possession of cycling cards and the technical condition of two-wheelers. Lacks in the equipment has been completed. The officers handed bicycle lamps, bells, vests, and reflective hats. Then the laughing peloton traveled about 10 km long, which led from Wanaka, through Gnat. There were more attractions waiting for the participants there, including prepared by the members of the TSO a common bonfire.

 

The meeting was enriched with classes in first aid. Paweł Mieczkowski provided advice and tips from Putsch WOPR and students from the Schools. The topics were, among others proceedings in case of loss consciousness, epilepsy, hemorrhage, fractures of limbs / wounds due to falling from a bicycle. The children eagerly took part in the classes, had many questions, and shared insights.

 

We hope that joint promotion and building the right relationship on the line “driving another vehicle – pedestrian – cyclist” will contribute to the increase of road safety, and the knowledge and skills acquired will apply in practice.

Keep reflective vest in snow days

Obligatory cleaning of cars from ice and snow, pedestrians with reflective vest and the possibility to ride a cyclist even on a full line – these are the changes that the amendment to the Road Traffic Act wants to bring. We have released some planned rules for cyclists, said MF DNES chief BESIP Martin.

 

What sanctions do pedestrians do when they do not have reflective material, and drivers in the case of an unclean car from snow and ice?

In the case of non-cleaned vehicles, there is a penalty of up to two thousand crowns in place, in the case of administrative proceedings up to CZK 2,500. As far as the pedestrian duty is concerned, there will also be sanctions there, but there is mainly an accident investigation on steps. That makes it easier for decision-makers to make decisions.

 

Must it be a duty to clear snow and ice from a car strictly defined in the law, if, according to our debaters, it can be penalized for this day? Is not it unnecessary denial of drivers?

I read the posts in the discussion under the article and I think that one who cleans the car and does not have a problem with it must say that it is nonsense because we are introducing a thing that is clear. However, just such a person does not limit the amendment. And the person who does not do that should learn from it and take the best of it. This is not about doing something to anyone. It is the result of a work that is based on a practice where there has always been a discussion whether snow and ice on the car are all right or not.

 

Of course, it is said that the instrument is in the law, but the police have a big problem in enforcing it. If it is precisely defined what is to be done with the vehicle before the ride, such as scraping the windows to provide a good view of the vehicle, which is one of the most important elements of active safety, it is absolutely well-founded. It is very unpleasant to drive a vehicle in front of you in winter, which has a higher layer of snow on the roof and gradually drops off at higher speeds. And because there was a discussion about whether the driver is in the way of looking at the fragrant tree on the mirror or something else at the window, then I personally think that a strict definition will help what we all want, and that is to make the operation safer and keeping the road safety.

 

I would like to emphasize that all these are just considerations because it is not a law signed by the President, but a proposal in inter-departmental proceedings. Therefore, it is not a loose coin, and the other thing is whether it will finally come out in the law.

Safety advises for children when they ride their bicycles to school

If your child is riding a bicycle to school, follow these tips so they are safe on the trip:

Wearing a helmet, a reflective vest and accompanying them for the first few days of the journey are part of the advice given by the Road Safety Agency.

Help them find the best way to carry the suitcase or other things that weigh, so that they keep the balance and not risk falling.

Before leaving check that the bicycle is in perfect condition, especially the wheels, the chain, the handlebar and the saddle.

Accompany them during the first days so that they know the journey and gain confidence for when they should go alone.

Warn them not to stop to play during the journey or to do things like releasing the handlebars.

Do not wear headphones.

Ask them to be aware of their surroundings, to be vigilant and to avoid talking to strangers.

Keep a bag with reflective strips will be good help for the visibility.

Teach your children about traffic regulations and the use of bike paths.

Mobile on the bike is prohibited for road safety

The use of social media on the bicycle is banned; it is dangerous if you use the phone on the bicycle even you wear the safety vest. Traffic minister Schultz van Hagen is working on a law to ban the mobile phone during the ride, she announces today. It is now just allowed to call in your hand while cycling or to read and send applets. However, drivers must continue to pay attention to traffic and may not cause dangerous situations. This is a difficult task for young cyclists in particular.

 

In 20 percent of the accidents with cyclists aged 12 to 24 years, the mobile phone seems to have played a role. In several countries, telephone use on the bicycle is therefore prohibited. At the end of May Minister Schultz also announced an investigation here, after a conversation with the father of a young victim. In recent years, attempts have been made to mainly influence the behavior of young people, for example through lessons at schools and prizes that youngsters could win if they temporarily did not use their mobile while cycling and wear a reflective vest. It all appeared to have insufficient effect on the target group.

 

Operate

Expert state is mainly the operation of a ‘touch screen’ during cycling that is the greatest risk. According to the minister, this means that it should not only prohibit the retention of the mobile phone, but also prevent it from operating in a holder on the steering wheel. Only next year will be clear when the ban can take effect and how high the fine will be. In the coming period, studies will be conducted into the consequences of social media use on the bicycle. The government wants to use this information to support a legal ban. Schultz: “Of course, a prohibition has the great advantage that it sets a clear standard.”

 

Traffic injured

Today, it also emerged that the number of serious road injuries in 2015 came to some 21,300 people. That is an increase of about 3 percent compared to a year earlier (20,700). Since 2007, there has been an increase in the number of serious road injuries.

 

The majority of the victims, especially cyclists and the elderly are at risk, falling on municipal and provincial roads. The minister gives that concern. “Road managers have to tackle problems on the basis of good analysis and ensure that road safety is improved.” According to Schultz, the figures show that intervention is urgently needed. “An increase in the number of road fatalities and injuries has to be broken.” That is why it is almost making a new strategic plan for road safety towards the year 2030, which should already be ready in 2018.

The bikers in the viewfinder of the gendarmes

At the time of the return of the beautiful days, and therefore the outings on motorbikes, the gendarmes of the departmental squadron led, yesterday in Moseley-South, an important operation of control. The site was not chosen at random. Yesterday afternoon, the gendarmes of the departmental road safety squadron of Metz chose a very particular sector of Moseley-South to carry out a great operation of road safety: the roads of Dao and Demon.

 

The coming spring and the milder temperatures led the gendarmes to act quickly to meet them, with both hands: one, for all, for prevention; and the other, if necessary, for repression. In addition, the stakes are important. “After the winter season, the first exits are riskier because the bikers are slow to regain all their reflexes driving two-wheeled, says the captain Jean-Jack, second in command of the EDSR Metz. There is a 27 times greater risk of being killed by motorized two-wheelers than by car. Still, many bikers take a lot of risks, feeling in control. ”

 

On a motorcycle, the slightest carelessness can be fatal. The recent news is there to confirm it. “Last year in Moseley, during the first quarter, there were three accidents of two-wheelers and three wounded,” says Captain. This year, at the same time, we recorded eight accidents, with one killed and ten wounded. These accidents involved five motorcycles and five cycles. “In addition, faced with these disturbing figures, the gendarmes decided to hit hard. They distributed to them a guide of good behavior. “There are tips to be well equipped, to behave appropriately, to be vigilant, and to respect the rules of conduct and so on. Since January 1, it is for example mandatory that all two-wheels have a reflective vest, to put in case of accident or breakdown.

 

All those who were in good standing left without being worried. The others, including cars, were caught by the patrol. Especially since, for the exercise, the EDSR also mobilized two of its most effective and formidable weapons for the violators: the unmarked motorcycles and the unmarked car, able in particular to grasp with discretion every speeding in the two directions of circulation.

 

In the end, 150 bikers were checked and all were in good standing. Twenty offenses have been reported against motorists: 18 speeding (recorded thanks to the dreaded unmarked car with embedded radar), a phone behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol. The presence of the gendarmes with safety clothing in force, however, was not enough to reason everyone. A biker lost control of his craft in the climb of Demon.

 

 

How to avoid accidents in autumn

Whether pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, in the fall, visibility is reduced, especially when the days are narrowing with the passage in wintertime. Here are some road safety tips to see and be seen.

 

In autumn, we review its rules of road safety

Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, in the fall, visibility is reduced, especially when it is time for winter. The risks of accidents are increasing. In 2015, road mortality increased for the second consecutive year, both at national and regional level, while the 2014 balance sheet was rather positive (-8 killed or -4.1% compared to 2013 in Central France). Since the beginning of 2016 (from January to September), according to the figures of the Regional Observatory of Road Safety Center-Val de Loire, we note an increase in the number of dead (+2 killed + 4%) -the trend is similar at the national level (+76 killed or + 3.1%) – compared to the previous year. Here are some safety rules to follow.

 

Pedestrians: 10 rules recommended by road safety

  • On the sidewalk, walk away from the edge
  • Avoid getting off the road
  • Pay attention to vehicles
  • Along a road or street with no sidewalk, walk to the left of the roadway. At night, wear light clothing or a reflective accessory
  • Use pedestrian crossings to cross or, failing that, search for the safest place
  • Before crossing, look left, right, then left again before committing. In the middle of the road, look again to the right
  • At the traffic lights, wait until the guy has gone green to cross. Make sure all vehicles are stopped
  • Never run to cross
  • Be very careful about bicycles and motorcycles that sneak between cars
  • At a crossroads, when crossing, pay attention to vehicles coming from other streets even you wear the safety vest

 

 

 

Road safety: how to remain visible when the night comes to fall

Winter is coming, days are getting shorter, night is falling faster, and pedestrians and cyclists are more and more vulnerable to motorists who do not always see them. For road safety, how to remain visible when the night comes to fall?

 

When night falls, pedestrians and cyclists become vulnerable. Imprudence will be make serious consequences. The winter period accounts for almost half of all pedestrians without high visibility vest killed last year, and accidents involving cyclists continue to increase. Therefore, Preventive actions are carried out.

 

Visible up to 150 meters

Sticking retro flexing tapes to the children’s binder or to the backs of cyclists is particularly effective. Beyond 30 meters, an individual with these stickers continues to be visible up to 150 meters. It is also essential that the bikes are visible at night. For this, lights must be installed. A danger spreader can also take place on the two-wheelers so that motorists take more distance to overtake the cyclist. Finally, it is strongly recommended to wear a reflective vest.

Check the lights in the car for free

As part of the nationwide campaign, “Your lights – your safety,” drivers from Czestochowa could check for free the correctness of the lighting settings in their cars. Uniforms explained to the participants of the action how important it is in the autumn-winter period to have good visibility on the road. The police officers also handed out reflective vests and bands, which will certainly help to improve the safety of unprotected road users.

 

The impact on road safety depends largely on the drivers themselves. From the skills and experience of the person who will sit behind the wheel and its psychophysical state. Road safety is also influenced by the technical condition of vehicles.

 

Many drivers remember that you need to wipe the headlamps when they are dirty or replace the bulbs if they are burned out. Few remember, however, that you also need to set the lights at the right angle. In the autumn / winter period, the wrong setting of lights often causes the illumination of other lights, or it is too late to notice a pedestrian or an obstacle on the road.

 

As part of the nationwide campaign, “Your lights – your safety,” drivers in safety vest from Czestochowa could make a free review of the correct setting of car lights last Saturday.

The best entrepreneurial project in road safety

“An accessory that can save your life”, this is how “Help-Flash” is presented, a Vigo project that has won the III Entrepreneurs and Road Safety Award from the Lines Directs Foundation. The invention consists of a led device that helps to signal vehicles stopped on the road due to breakdown or accident, thus preventing possible collisions of its occupants.

 

The idea, which began to take its first steps last year, left Jorge Torre, a civil guard based in Vigo, who joined the consultant Roberto Perez. Torre’s years of service led to this simple device: “If a fault occurs at night on a highway or a highway, the situation is very dangerous,” he explained to FARO at the launch of the lantern. “If a driver has to go out and put the triangles, it is not the same to go out only with the reflective vest that carries with it a light that emits visible flashes at a long distance,” he continued.

 

The jury of the event highlighted “its contribution to the improvement of road safety, its didactic and awareness-raising work, as well as its degree of innovation and its solid economic and organizational viability.” For this reason, he ranked among the 67 projects submitted to the event, which awards a prize of 20,000 Euros.

 

The “Help-Flash” is a small emergency lamp visible up to a kilometer away. It is activated with a magnetic support and can be used as a flashlight. The project has been developed in collaboration with the Automotive Technology Center of Galicia (CTAG), based in Portion, and with Avatar Hispania, which is a support association for victims of traffic accidents.