It is a requirement to wear reflective vests after dark

MEPs have adopted a draft law that imposes a new obligation on pedestrians. It is a requirement to wear reflective vests after dark. Those who do not comply with the order will face a fine of up to 3,000. zł.

 

According to the data of the Central Police Headquarters, in 2012 there were 10.3 thousand Accidents involving pedestrians. They lost 1 167 people. Although the vast majority of such occurrences occur at pedestrian crossings and intersections, there is a high risk of pedestrians on undisturbed roads. It is virtually impossible to see at night a pedestrian who is not wearing reflective elements. Accidents of a similar scenario were in 2012 447, and killed 59 people in them. Many indicate that sooner or later such events will be less. SLD deputies have drafted legislation that has imposed the obligation to wear reflective vests on pedestrians, who move after dark outside the built-up area along roads where there is no sidewalk.

 

Why is it so important? Walking after dark without reflective elements is visible from a distance of only 20-30 meters. If the driver is traveling at 90 km / h, he will be within 25 meters. This does not give you virtually any chance of any reaction. However, if the pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element, the driver will notice it from 130-150 meters away and will have no problems avoiding it.

 

SLD deputies wanted the new law to promote safe behavior rather than become a pedestrian whistle, and therefore did not foresee penalties for ignoring the requirement to wear reflective vests. Paradoxically, however, this may turn against pedestrians. The police intend to enforce the rules on a general basis, and according to Art. 79 of the Code of Misdemeanors, a traffic participant violating other regulations of the traffic code or issued under it, may be fined up to 3 thousand. Of course, it is unlikely that such a standard penalty will be imposed for ignoring the requirement to wear a waistcoat, but its height will be discretionary and it will be up to the policeman to decide how high the mandate will be.

 

It is also worth looking at the issue of guilty of road accidents involving pedestrians. Since the obligation to wear a reflective safety vest has been passed, blamed or co-incurred for an accident, a pedestrian may be charged to ignore the order and be struck down. However, such a circumstance may be used by the insurer to underestimate the value of the compensation paid to the hired foot.

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