Month: August 2019

Cyclists, do not underestimate the reflective elements or helmet

The most common mistakes of cyclists include riding without lights and reflective elements or cycling outside the village without a helmet. According to police spokeswoman Denisa Balogh, driving in groups side by side or driving under the influence of alcohol is not exceptional either. What rules should cyclists follow during their journeys?

It is important, for example, to wear reflective vests, especially at night and in low visibility. “Reflective material can be seen at a distance three times longer than white clothing and more than ten times that of blue clothing. By using reflective elements, cyclists extend the distance over which the driver can see them,” the spokeswoman explains.

At the same time, Balogh recalls that children under the age of 10 can only ride a bicycle unattended on a cycling path, a dirt road, a forest road, or a residential area. Otherwise, they must be under the supervision of a person over 15 years of age who must also be sufficiently competent to supervise them. “When traveling with children, of course, there should be helmets, leg guards and reflective fabrics on clothing,” he adds.

The helmet must have children under 15 years in the village. Other cyclists are obliged to wear it only outside the village. It is important to ensure that cyclists only drive one behind the other on the side or on the edge of the road. “Two cyclists can only walk along the bicycle path, and only if they do not restrict and endanger other road users,” says Balogh.

At the same time, the police appealed to drivers to be considerate of cyclists. “We all know that in the case of a cyclist versus a car, the less protected participant always pulls the shorter end. Therefore, it is important that the driver of the motor vehicle anticipates what he can do if necessary and responds adequately,” Balogh points out.

“Maintain sufficient lateral distance from cyclists to prevent them, counting with caution, poor eyesight, and hearing, especially of older people. While driving, pay close attention to the right side of the road because of the most likely occurrence of cyclists,” he continues. At the same time, it points out that a right-hand driver is obliged to give priority to a straight-rider. This is not only for the tram driver.

Reflective elements in pedestrians, design changes

There are fatal accidents when a driver strikes a pedestrian because he overlooked it. This happens especially in the village, at night, when the pedestrian moves on the road in dark clothes and on a dark background, when it is virtually invisible. I make one of the suggestions on how to deal with this situation.

Different reflective elements for pedestrians compared to one Euro coin. Reflective velcro tape. In the middle reflective tape with own source and flashing LEDs, also with Velcro. Below is the most commonly used reflective tape with an internal spring.

Special provisions on pedestrians

Pedestrians may walk along the side of the road or the edge of the road at most two side by side, provided that they do not endanger or restrict road traffic, especially in reduced visibility or increased traffic; this does not apply to persons moving on the shoulder or on the edge of the road on skis, skates or similar sports equipment, which can only move in a row. From sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility, a pedestrian walking on the road or the edge of the road, inside and outside the village, shall have visibly placed reflective elements or wearing reflective safety clothing, so that it can be seen by drivers coming from both sides. This obligation shall not apply in the case of the transverse passage of the road at controlled pedestrian crossings or illuminated and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.

Rationale:

By extending the obligation of reflective elements from outside the municipality to the municipality, pedestrians will be especially visible in villages where there are no sidewalks and use the road to move.

The obligation to be seen by drivers from both sides will eliminate the deficiency when the pedestrian had a reflective element only on his back, most often on his backpack. As a result, when walking along the opposite road surface not seen for incoming drivers.

By using the terminology from sunset to sunrise, which is common in aviation, we can easily and accurately determine the time from when to when it is required to use reflective materials.

To avoid unnecessarily burdensome pedestrians in well-lit city centers, this obligation is not at pedestrian crossings, in addition to footpaths. This also means that pedestrians without reflective elements will have to use pedestrian crossings as a priority.

A year and a half with mandatory reflective elements

On Sunday it will be a year and a half since pedestrians were to start shining on our roads. Literally, on February 20, 2016, the following formula was added to the Road Traffic Act: “If a pedestrian moves outside the village on a side or roadside in a place not illuminated by public lighting, he/she is obliged to wear retro-reflective material positioned so as to be visible to other road users.”

Light Up

It’s shortly before 9 pm when we pass the sign indicating the end of Prague. We decided to see how the Czechs comply with the law. True, all kinds of reflectors, belts, and clothing strips are grim autumn and winter. But the law applies without exception even at the end of a capricious summer. Is it already dark or not? This is what we say when approaching from Radotín towards Černošice – we meet a completely unlit runner. The legislation defines reduced visibility by not recognizing other vehicles, people, animals or objects on the road. It is not only about darkness, dusk or dawn, but also heavy rain, snow, and fog.

From a statistical point of view, the new regulation looks promising. Perhaps in the first year of validity, the number of killed pedestrians at night outside the village decreased from 37 to 31, which is almost a fifth decrease. A massive communication campaign, warning of the possible consequences of invisible night walks, certainly played its role.

The fact that the reflective components make sense is further supported by other harsh numbers: “After the law came into effect, we registered a total of 24 killed pedestrians with reduced visibility. In seventeen cases, the pedestrian was not demonstrably reflective,” says Petr Habenicht of the Police Presidium.

Rather a warning

“Yes, I know I should have a flashing tape. I wear it in winter, but it is not completely dark yet,” the runner we meet at the outskirts of Hlásná Třebáň grows in front of us. At least she wears a distinctive red T-shirt – but it wouldn’t help her before the law.

“After the introduction, we announced that we would especially explain to pedestrians the meaning of this duty. At the same time, however, we pointed out that, as the end of the year, which tends to be the riskiest to pedestrians, is approaching, police officers will also apply block fines for non-compliance,” explains Habenicht.

However, not only unmarked pedestrians but also drivers behave dangerously in the dark. “Classic halogen headlamps have a range of up to 100 meters, which should be adjusted to speed. If we do not, we often do not have enough room for an adequate response. At the last minute we are not able to react to the obstacle,” says Besip’s head Martin Farář.

We know

Another problem that annoys night roads is the poor lighting of many cars. As we head to the destination of today’s journey, we chose the village in style.

Darkness near Beroun, we see for ourselves. Although traffic is minimal, the percentage of squinting or squinting cars is significant. The risk is not only for pedestrians but also for the surrounding drivers, which can unpleasantly dazzle. Beware of them, we say to each other as we approach an intersection somewhere in the fields. Five young people with a dog walk along the verge. Reflective elements nowhere, at least have well visible white T-shirts and hold much to the edge. On the right side of the road. “I know we should have tapes. But we didn’t take them with us. But we are cautious,” one of the girls surprised us with an apologetic tone. When we leave, the crew moves off the road. By law, pedestrians are allowed to walk along the side of the road or at the edge of the road no more than two side by side. In low visibility, they even have to go behind – that is if it is not a light-marked, organized formation. However, according to Besip’s experience, rainfall is regularly caused by ignorance of the rules. Pedestrians in low traffic do not care where to cross. “They go red, run off the crossing, and even across the highway. At night we are more anonymous and more often sin on rules, which can have tragic consequences,” says Farář. A repeated problem is just walking on the wrong side of the road. “The car thus arrives at the back of the infantrymen and therefore cannot react adequately. They also commonly believe that when they see the lights, the car sees them. This is a great misunderstanding and underestimation of the situation! ”Warns the pastor.

Where are they?

When we arrive in dark Tman, it is half-past eleven and there is no one on the roads. , Berounsko has fallen asleep and we are slowly going home. We are already wondering if it was necessary to make such a halo around the elements when nobody walks on the roads. Although, the strap or reflector does not have anyway. We drove the lanes over sixty kilometers and did not hit pedestrians with reflective elements.

We are now approaching the highway when we see the bright glare of the reflective tape at the edge of the Court. It’s hard to say what a grim figure in dark clothes is doing here. To meet her a little further behind the curve, we would probably be surprised without the tape – of course, it is on the wrong side, the right side of the road.

It is surprising how little we see reflective elements on Czech roads. Statistics show that their benefits are indisputable. However, it will probably take a lot of effort before the Czechs accept them.

Reflective elements from the perspective of law

As we wrote at the turn of the year, the obligation to wear reflective elements has brought a new balance between driver and pedestrian from a legal perspective. “There has been a situation where not only the driver has to focus on driving, but the pedestrian is obliged to be seen,” describes attorney Jan Černý. Before the effect of the amendment infecting pedestrians to become visible for the police and hence the prosecutor, the primary culprit of a potential collision was the driver. “I have also experienced cases of the accusation of a chauffeur, when a pedestrian walked on the wrong side of the road, was darkly dressed and even under the influence of alcohol,” explains Černý.

Experts agree that in the investigation of traffic accidents, it focuses not only on the driver but also on the possible proportion of pedestrians. “We have a duty here and it is assessed whether the pedestrian had a reflective element. If a driver with a reflective element had seen it, the driver could be fully developed,” Jan Černý continues.

Therefore, it may happen that a pedestrian who is hit by a car without a reflector will not get any compensation. “In every individual case, we examine whether the element has been used, how it was placed, and what its reflective area was,” says Libor Beran of Allianz, pointing out that if the pedestrians are to blame, it may even be he who pays.

About reflective elements with Martin Farář from Besip

It is a year and a half of our duty to wear reflective elements. How do you perceive the introduction?

When we look at the year-on-year statistics for 2015 and 2016 outside the municipality where the obligation applies, we have seen twenty fewer deaths in reduced visibility. Moreover, after a long time, legislation and a large campaign came together, which was subsequently supported by police action to check that pedestrians wear the belts.

What about this year’s first half?

The trend continues, although in the first half of the year there were no major declines. However, we expect the main season of reflective elements and the most dangerous situations only at the end of the calendar year.

There was also talk of introducing the obligation to wear reflective elements even in unlit parts of municipalities.

From the beginning, we have been for nationwide introduction in places where there is no public lighting. This would be true, for example, in the peripheral parts of municipalities where there is often no pavement. Reflective items should be worn to increase the chances of a pedestrian seeing.

The introduction was accompanied by an extensive campaign. To be continued?

Definitely. We will also continue to cooperate with the traffic police, which will again make available a large number of reflective items. The goal is to reach as many people as possible. We do not want this to be based strictly on enforcement, but for the state to bring something – elements will be distributed and we will repeat why it is important to use them. It should not be based on repression.

On the legs and wrists

If you are on the road in poor visibility, we recommend using two straps: ideally one forearm and the other over the ankle. “We always put them on the right side, because outside the villages where there is no sidewalk, we walk in the opposite direction, ie the right side of the road,” recommends Martin Farář, head of Besip. “The lights of an incoming car shine first in the lower half of the body, so it is good to have the tape as low as possible. It is important to avoid having our clothes covered, especially when we put it on the wrist,” he adds. Although the law requires use exclusively outside the municipality, we recommend this element whenever you are in unlit areas.

How to choose a reflector

Hundreds of reflective elements are available on the market – the differences in visibility are abysmal. Which one to choose? “The guideline for choosing a quality material can be a CE quality certificate or a brand of a respected manufacturer. When it comes to clothing, such as a reflective vest, there should also be information about how to wash and how many wash cycles the material will last without changing its properties,” advises Zuzana Orlichová. It is also advisable to test the product before purchasing. On the market, there are products with a lower reflectance than may seem at first glance and not every tape is well visible after lighting. “We can measure the reflectance by using a camera with a flash, for example on a mobile,” says Lukáš Pejpal.

10 road rules you must follow this fall

Summer has said “no” to the sunny and warm day, giving the relay to the next season. In autumn, lower temperatures are often associated with ground frost, fog, and reduced visibility.

All road users must be prepared for difficult road conditions by more frequent fogs, rain and, as a result, on wet or icy roads. It is better to be prepared than surprised, so the police are bringing ‘ten’ useful tips that will help to drive safely and reach a happy destination.

1. The most common mistakes of pedestrians – sudden entry into the road from the sidewalk without looking around, poor estimation of the distance and speed of the vehicle, crossing off the passage (often even cross four lanes), underestimating reflective tapes on clothing.

The right response – to anticipate, to cross the road at designated locations, to avoid risky sections, not to climb over railings, not to risk. The obligation of pedestrians walking on the side of the road or on the edge of the road to wear reflective elements or wearing reflective safety clothing not only outside the village but also in the village in low visibility.

2. Police Recommendation – Use reflective elements on the side of the body that faces the road (not the shoulder). Reflective items should be placed best close to the knees and at waist level, on the shoulders, cyclists also on helmets and bicycles. Reflective stickers stick to shoe soles, bikes, skates, helmets, scooters, school bags, crutches or strollers. Children’s clothing, school bags, and accessories equipped with reflective and fluorescent safety features.

3. The most frequent mistakes of cyclists – without lights, without reflective elements, cycling outside the village without a helmet (under 15 years also in the village), on the wrong side of the road and driving in groups side by side and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The right response – to keep track of what is happening around you and always make sure of safe passage, to give you a visible and timely signal of your hands-on changing direction, use of helmets and protectors, reflective elements.

4. Police recommendation – if parents take a child on a bicycle trip, the child must always be in front of them to be able to influence their driving by giving them a warning. Care must be taken to ensure that his health is adequately protected – by a helmet, limbs, reflective elements on clothing. In case of bad weather (iceberg, snow) use other means of transport.

5. Aquaplaning – there is more water between the tire and the road than the tread can handle, the car “floats” and becomes unmanageable.

Correct response – leg out of gas, depress the clutch. Align the steering wheel until the tire touches the road. Hold the steering wheel with both hands and do not risk overtaking.

6. Fog – difficult driving conditions with reduced visibility, wet road.

Correct response – reduce speed, increase the distance between vehicles. Switch on the fog lights, while driving in the columns, the first and the last in the row are sufficient to avoid blinds of other drivers.

7. Beast – risk especially at night and in the morning, unexpectedly and unpredictably.

The right response – avoid the obstacle at high speed. The consequences of skidding may be greater than the collision itself, especially when driving on a motorway.

8. Agricultural machinery – dirty road from mud and leaves, increased risk of skidding.

The right response – anticipate, reduce speed, pay particular attention to preventing heavy machinery.

9. Fruit pickers – trees on the roads attract “pickers”, comfortable bikes on the road, bikes, running children and adults in dark clothes.

The correct reaction of drivers – increase caution, monitor the situation, reduce speed.

The correct reaction of pantographs – reflective vests, belts, caps, whatever makes them visible to the driver and ensures that their “vehicles” do not endanger others.

10. Police recommendation – in difficult weather conditions to predict in particular, adjust speed to weather and your abilities, monitor the situation especially around stops, schools and shopping centers, where the movement of pedestrians and cyclists is increased. Give them a preference where they have it.

Mandatory equipment does not change

The mandatory equipment of the car does not change with the arrival of the new Traffic Act, as it is determined by another regulation. The spare wheel does not have to have every car and a reflective vest with reflective tape is included.

The panic around the color of the reflective vest is unfounded. The new law orders it to be used.

The new regulations on the mandatory equipping of vehicles came into force three years ago and were not changed by the new Road Traffic Act. It only determines how and when to use individual equipment elements on the road. This is particularly true of the reflective vest, which must be within a comfortable and fast reach of the driver. He should get out of the car dressed if possible. Owners of vehicles with xenon lamps do not have to have spare lamps, but they must not lack other bulbs used for the exterior lighting of the car. At least one of each species. The fire extinguisher does not belong to the mandatory equipment of the car in Slovakia, but it is necessary and recommended. Many modern cars might not burn completely if the driver had a fire extinguisher in their car.

Panic with vests

The new law imposes an obligation on the driver to wear safety clothing if he/she is on a road outside the vehicle during an emergency. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to € 60.

No penalties shall be imposed for green or yellow-green. Although the new law provides that a driver may not wear a vest that is interchangeable with safety clothing used by armed forces or armed security forces, the type and color of the reflective vest are determined by a decree of the Ministry of Transport on compulsory car equipment.

Police vests have an inscription on the back and a different fastening than the vests available on the market, so there should be no confusion. “We chose other vests for police officers, which have several reflective elements, are shorter and designed to have access, for example, to weapons,” said Eva Uhliarikova of the Ministry of the Interior. The reflective vest in the car is designed to give visibility and protection to the driver of the car, so its use will be monitored.

There is not always a reserve

The spare wheel to be used in the event of a puncture must have only cars that not equipped with a special adhesive kit or Runflat tires that allow the puncture to travel. This also applies to the jack and wheel removal tools. Tires with Runflat technology have long been used by BMW vehicles. Their owners do not have to carry the spare wheel until they have ordinary tires on their car. “We have no problem with the Slovak regulations because it is homologated by the manufacturer and we use Runflat throughout Eastern Europe,” confirmed Milan Stupka of the BMW Group. Since February, winter tires on snow and ice are mandatory. This does not apply to the spare wheel, which may not have a winter tread pattern and can be used in an emergency even on snow and ice.

The late arrival of winter, along with the new traffic law, should force drivers who have not used these winter tires to buy or not to drive after the snow. In the tire repair shops after the first of February, there was no increase in interest, even though the spring break of the Bratislava region was approaching and it is snowing in the Orava and the Tatras. “Those who want to use winter tires have bought them,” said Marin, tire service owner. Some sizes of winter tires are a problem to get because they just sold out. In that case, the alternative dimension of the technical license must be looked at.

Reflective vests designed to protect pedestrians

Without reflective waistcoat or reflective tape either to the store or to the neighbor. This may look like this year in Slovak villages and towns. In an amendment to the Road Traffic Act, the Ministry of the Interior suggests that pedestrians walking along the road should wear protective features in poor visibility if they do not walk on the sidewalk. Today they need to have reflective fabrics on their clothes only when they are outside the village.

With this measure, the Ministry wants to prevent traffic accidents, which usually end to the detriment of pedestrians. Of the 442 accidents caused by pedestrians last year, up to 384 have occurred in the village. If they do not have them, they can be fined 60 euros.

“I consider it stupid. In my opinion, it would be sufficient if only cyclists were to have a reflective sign. I cannot imagine that I should always wear such a vest. And there is also a financial factor. In our country, there are ten-member households who live in poor social conditions. I can’t imagine buying a reflective vest for everyone in the family,” says Silvia Juhászová, a 33-year-old resident of Čamoviec in the Lučenec district.

Thirty-seven-year-old Fiľakovčan Tomáš Csík understands the effort to protect pedestrians but does not agree with fines if they do not have reflective elements. “In the evening I use to walk a few meters to the neighbors. I am careful about cars. When any goes, I step aside to keep my eyes off. I cannot agree with the draft of such a law,” said 64-year-old Ján Horňan from Trebeľovce near Lučenec.

The mayor of Liptovský Ján Juraj Filo cannot imagine how he explains the new duty to tourists. The village is visited annually by about 500 thousand. “If a foreign visitor gets such a fine for something, he won’t come anymore,” says Filo. The mayor of Štrba, Michal Sýkora, says there is no need to worry about the reflective elements. “I also try to explain to young people that it is not just a reflective vest, and these reflective elements can also look modern.”

The ministry points out that stricter rules for pedestrians have necessitated a negative trend in the number of accidents in which the most vulnerable road users die or suffer serious injuries. Last year, according to police statistics, 15 people were killed in roads, two of them children. “Pedestrians caused a total of 442 traffic accidents last year, of which 384 were in the village,” police spokeswoman Denisa Balogh said.

On the side of stricter regulations is also favored traffic analyst Jozef Drahovský, according to which drivers do not have many possibilities to deal with unmarked pedestrians or cyclists. “They only have to anticipate and think that there may be someone on the road,” he says, not even street lighting helps in dense fogs.

Marián Čabák from the School of Safe Driving says that people are often reluctant to invest even a few euros in reflective things unless they are explicitly ordered to do so. The price for a reflective vest ranges from three euros upwards. Similarly, there are other elements, as the law permits them. They can also be reflective belts on the sleeve, smileys on school bags or various other iron-on transfers.

If the proposed amendment passed, the mandatory labeling in the municipality would become the same offense as the non-marking of a pedestrian outside the municipality today. This is subject to a fine of up to EUR 60.

Slovakia is not the only country trying to protect pedestrians with protective features. Czech transport police chief Tomáš Lerch said last week that he wanted to create a discussion on mandatory reflective elements for all who would go on the road at night. He also wants to find a compromise whether it should be in the village, outside or everywhere.

What to consider when buying a life jacket for dog

It might be an odd thing to consider. Why does my dog need a life jacket? Can’t dogs swim?

We seem to think that our pets have retained all of their wild instincts, but the fact is that they simply aren’t true. Many dogs would have no better means to swim to safety in the event of a water-based emergency than we would. Therefore, your dog must be as well-equipped as they can be when venturing out into the great blue sea. Or just the nearby lake, even.

If you are looking to play it safe while boating, sailing, swimming, or playing near the water with your pooch, you should invest in a dog life jacket. Here’s what you should know if you want to buy a life vest for your dog.

Four things are critical in a good doggy life safety vest. The first is buoyancy. This is the jacket’s natural ability to float, which is a pretty important aspect of the life vest. You want to make sure that the vest can hold your dog’s weight to ensure its success. Dog life jackets are rated for weight, so check before you buy.

The next thing to consider is color. You want the vest to be a very bright color. In the event your pup is knocked overboard or lost in the water, this will make them easier to spot. Some even have reflective tape to catch the light better and make your dog more visible.

Strong handles will be the third important detail. If you have to haul your pet out of the water, ensuring that the handles can withstand the dog’s weight is a must. Test the handles before you bring your dog to the water. Make sure they can hold your pup’s full weight.

Lastly, you want to make sure the vest fits properly. This is as crucial with a dog as it is with a human child. An improperly fitting vest can be almost as dangerous as no vest at all. If you can, bring your dog into the store to make sure it fits both safely and comfortably. Check that your dog can sit and lie down while in their vest. If your pup is a bit on the heavy side, make sure nothing is being pinched or pulled, too.

Is a doggy life vest really necessary? Yes! Your dog should wear a life jacket on or near the water – as should you, and everyone on your boat.

While every dog should be properly equipped for safety, certain dogs must be given life vests with reflective materials. Dogs with low body fat such as the Greyhound, senior animals, and dogs with health or mobility issues should always be properly secured when going out into the water. They are our family members, after all!

“Without reflex, you are like a gray spot”

“It doesn’t matter if you look like a Christmas tree, only you can see,” says Camilla Fri-Bergström at the Raseborg police. Without reflex, you blend into the surroundings, at least sixth-graders in the Katarina School in Karis know.

The darkness came so suddenly that Freija Kauranen did not react. By the next week when it seals further, she will dig out reflex tapes and trays. Also, she sometimes wears a reflective vest sew on reflective tape.

“But only when mom forces,” she adds whispering.

Here at the Katarina School in Karis, it is obvious to use reflex. Sixth graders Freija Kauranen, Linus Wiklund and Arvid Hanell do not show the slightest hint of attitude problems when it comes to being safe in traffic. It’s cool to be safe. But what about the external requirements?

“The use of reflex is a matter of course, but it should not look anyhow,” says Kauranen.

Both Arvid Hansell and Linus Wiklund are both good users of reflective vests and other smaller reflexes. What one looks like is secondary when it is the issue of security.

It is dark after all so no one sees one.

At the Katarina School, the attitude is admirable, but everywhere people are not as positively inclined to use reflexes. For older Constable Camilla Fri-Bergström at the Raseborg Police, darkness is a yearly recurring theme, if possible even higher than for the rest of us.

“Situational speed. Deer. Moose. Dark. Driving lights. Schoolchildren. Reflex. Raceborg. My thoughts this morning.”

So Fri-Bergström writes on the Raseborg Police’s Facebook page one Tuesday morning in October. The rain, the fog, and the darkness have made their way into classic October manners, and this is evident in the traffic.

The children’s reflections are extra important to think about, she says – the family’s smallest can behave erratically in traffic. Here, the constable points to parents’ responsibilities. Regardless of whether or not reflex is considered a bargaining factor, it is a must for anyone who wants to be different from the environment.

It doesn’t matter if you look like a Christmas tree, only you can see.

Darkness is a national phenomenon but touches on a local level. In Raseborg, taxi drivers who pick up school children in the mornings have wanted all children to wear reflexes to appear better.

But also as an adult, it is important to think about your safety. Fog and bad before, like the dark, affect how you look – and street lighting does not help the situation significantly, although many believe it. Something should be flashing for you to be seen, says the constable.

Without a reflex, you often become a small, gray spot in the surroundings.

A citizen informed the police of an adult who was cycling along the country road – without reflex. According to Camilla Fri-Bergström, this is a common attitude problem – you think you will be seen but the reality is another. In the darkness only what is illuminated by the headlights.

The truth is also a crunch in numbers. The driver of a car with turned on dipped beams can see a pedestrian at an average of fifty meters distance. If the pedestrian wears reflective clothing, they are visible at a distance of 350 meters. With the main beam turned on, the reflex is even more efficient. The law states that pedestrians should use reflex – yet half of the Finns do not, according to data from the Swedish Transport Safety Agency.

“This applies to common sense: use reflexes for others in the traffic to see you,” says Camilla Fri-Bergstrom.

Cyclists and pedestrians can also find it difficult to see in an illuminated urban environment. Immense windows, shadows from shrubs and trees as well as various light sources can affect the field of view. Dirty windshields and bad lanterns can further aggravate the situation.

Since 2003, it has been mandatory by law to use reflexes also in an enlightened urban environment. In a new proposal for the Road Traffic Act, however, the reflex clause shines with its absence – something that caused the Swedish Transport Administration to shudder.

“The statutory code is also a guideline for media and education, private individuals and municipalities. Nobody has been disturbed by the rule for 35 years,” says CEO Anna-Liisa Tarvainen in a press release.

And even though the law recommends the use of reflexes, the one who does not avoid any penalties is met.

“Toothless,” says Ola Lindholm from the insurance company Lokaltapiola South Coast.

“If you are hit, it does not matter whether you wear reflex or not, when looking for potential substitutes. Circumstances determine: has the person gone on the right side of the road? Everyone must follow the rules in that regard,” says Ola Lindholm, whoever goes on the wrong side of the road may have been involved and caused the accident.

Fortunately, such accidents are relatively few and point out that generalizing rules are difficult to give when nothing is black and white.

Ola Lindholm himself thinks that a single reflex is not worth much – here is the reflective vest that applies.

It is quite lean with a reflex that dangles at knee height when moving on a dark road.

Winter biker, here are easy tips for safe riding

Cycling is the best utility exercise, an ecological choice, and often, especially in cities, the fastest way to get from one place to another instead of standing in a traffic jam. So why take a running game into storage for the winter?

“You don’t have to do that,” says Aki Tyynelä, the store manager of Lahti Bicycle Maintenance.

With the right framework and attitude, cycling is a success all year long. Peaceful lists a few practical tips to make winter biking fun.

1. Pins Below!

When the thermometer drops to zero or the front side, it is advisable to replace the studs with tires that increase traction on ice and snow. Even tread grips will improve when a little air is released.

The bike is equipped with stud tires and more than a hundred.

“Tires can withstand many winters. If you drive a lot, they will pay off,” says Tyynelä.

2. Make sure you wear regular clothing – layering works best

Layered clothing helps to keep heat inside as well as moisture and the latter outside.

It is especially important to keep your hands warm. Wind gloves protect your hands from the worst wind.

3. The right helmet will always protect you

Statistics show that cycling in winter is no more dangerous than in summer. However, only a cycling helmet can protect your head no matter what the season.

4. Appear in the dark

The bicycle must by law, have light permanently attached to the bicycle. The front light must be light. The light should not be too bright, but not too dim.

Flashing light is not prohibited by law but is not recommended because flashing light usually indicates a hazard, not an oncoming vehicle.

The rear light is not mandatory, but the red light on the back significantly improves visibility.

Good reflectors ensure motorists can detect the cyclist.

Pedal reflectors are not mandatory, but the bike must have side reflectors or reflective tires. Also, the cyclist should wear reflective clothing, like reflective vest sew on reflective tape or reflective jacket to improve your visibility in the night. This way the cyclist can be seen well when crossing the road.

Many walkers and cyclists without a reflector in the autumn dark

On the streets and roads of Lappeenranta, here and there, you come across spots of joy, people with fair-looking reflectors.

The first quarterback in downtown Lappeenranta on Sunday evening predicts poor performance in reflector spotting.

Several dark-skinned pedestrians are walking down the street from the park, which the driver often notices until the last drop.

Few bicycles have lights when they flash.

Wouldn’t it be good for an evening stroll downtown not to hang a reflector hanging around? On the other side of Korkkitehtta, the beach is better.

The Salli Kortelainen of Lappeenranta can be distinguished from afar since the anorak’s front covered by a reflective vest with reflective tape. It came from a hint as a gift from a man.

One would not think that Taipalsaarentien would be crossed at night without a reflector. There is no danger of cars on the jogging path here.

The reflective vest is not only for personal protection but also for a child.

In Kortelainen’s opinion, behind the wheel, you notice pedestrians and cyclists squinting in reflectors.

Miniature Schnauzer Hampus has a red light that he has come up with from far away. The dog still alienates the reflector, but Maiju Nurmela believes that it will be used.

The reflector is convenient as the light can be recharged on the computer.

The reflector should also be flashing. This function is not used because it seems that a flashing light would cause migraine.

Nurmela has equipped his dog for a walk on a dark November evening better than himself.

You have to invest in your reflector. Today we still have to trust that it will be enough for the dog to be noticed first.

Cyclist in the dark

Around Tirilä and Lapvesi the driver is startled. From somewhere on the left side of the road, a dark-skinned bike crosses the road again.

Doesn’t a young man realize what kind of danger he exposes himself to?

Expected bright spots appear in the direction of Hakal and Lauritsala. Powerful reflective vests with reflective material make joggers stand out from the crowd.

In the meantime, downtown walkers have also changed. In addition to the traditional hanging reflector, Tuire Hakasen has reflective stripes on both wrists.

These are easy to take with the door handle when going out for an evening stroll. It is just hard to know whether these appear.

Yes, they are. Hakanen is easy to spot both in the twilight of the street and on the sidewalk.