Especially in the dark season, children are at risk in traffic. With the right clothes and equipment, you can avoid accidents on the way to school. Our tips to increase visibility in traffic.
“A careless moment, a child running out into the street between parked cars – especially in the fall and winter months accidents happen to the little ones more often. However, many dangerous situations and accidents would be relatively easy to avoid,” says TÜV Rheinland.
Lack of visibility, especially at dusk and in the dark to school trips accidents: Especially accident critical times: between 7 and 8 clocks in the morning and between 16 and 18 clocks. “Children are seen worse,” says Julia Lohmann from the German Road Safety Council (DVR). The risk of accidents increases when snow, rain and backlights worsen the sight of motorists. Parents could easily find a remedy, Fohmann warns.
Safety on the walk
“Parents should always have their children in mind,” says Julia Lohmann. Especially first-graders are particularly vulnerable, since on the one hand by their height even do not have the required overview, on the other hand also be noticed worse. “Children of this age are often still unpredictable and their response is poor.” The ADAC points out. Especially when the little ones first have to master their way to school in the dark. If the parents cannot accompany the children to school, this task can be taken on by other adults or older children.
Visibility in traffic
With light reflective clothing, children are visible in the dark up to 40 meters, in dark clothing, however, only up to 25 meters. If a car has to brake at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour, the braking distance alone is around 28 meters. Therefore, the earliest possible visibility in traffic is extremely important. Colorful clothes seem more striking than monochrome, advises Württemberg insurance. Not only children and pedestrians but also joggers and cyclists are often overlooked in the dark season. Particularly suitable is therefore eye-catching clothing, such as neon colors such as pink or yellow.
Reflectors increase visibility
Who does not know her from his school days? ABC shooters or kindergartners receive small colorful reflectors that they can tie to their school bags or clothing. Meanwhile, there are a variety of animal and cartoon characters and colors of these Blinkies. In the spotlight of oncoming cars, these reflectors are already widely visible.
Visible clothing
In the dark season come again the bright neon-colored safety vests are used. They are made of breathable and lightweight material and can be easily pulled over the normal jackets. Visibility is increased enormously with safety vests: even at a distance of 140 meters, these can be perceived by motorists. An important time to slow down and prevent an accident.
In addition to safety, vests can also be tightened bands and sashes. However, the surface of the reflective material should not fall below 15 square centimeters, warns the Tüv. Otherwise, the luminosity is not big enough. In specialist shops and on the Internet, LED bulbs with reflectors can be purchased, which can then be fastened with a clip to the backs of shoes and bring even more attention
Safe locomotion
Anyway, a roadworthy bike should have reflectors on the spokes, so-called cat’s eyes, as well as reflectors on the pedals, says Julia Lohmann from the German Traffic Safety Council. “And with a bell to be heard better.” In the meantime, there are also bicycles, the rear additional reflective strips and thus increase security. “Young children should also use the sidewalk with their bicycles in the dark season.” Headlamps, worn on the helmet or the head, also generated more attention from oncoming cyclists due to the cyclist’s movement.
Also, the LED lamp could often be switched to the flashing mode and so additionally noticed earlier, advises the Württembergische insurance. However, more and more children are using not only the bicycle but also scooters, which offer less space for reflectors. “But visibility can be increased by using LED lamps that are attached to the front panel,” advises Lohmann. Some scooter manufacturers already have built-in lamps, some also have side LEDs and reflectors on the wheels.
Conclusion: The more flashy, brighter and more colorful the clothes, the more reflectors and blinking on jackets, bicycles, and scooters – the earlier the little ones are perceived even in the dark season. And they are all safer on the road in winter.