From the end of August moving around after dusk, outside the built-up area, pedestrians are obliged to wear reflective vests. Policemen from the Police Station, for the sake of improving road safety, reach residents by distributing reflective vests and bands obtained, among others, from local governments.
Poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions and early darkness causes that pedestrians on the road are not very visible to the drivers. Therefore, using the road when difficult conditions prevail on it requires increasing attention by both pedestrians and motorized road users.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Road Traffic Law, pedestrians who move along the road after dark outside the built-up area are obliged to use reflective elements in a manner visible to other road users. The regulations provide for an exception, according to which pedestrians can move outside the built-up area without retro-reflecting elements at dusk if it is on a road intended for pedestrians only or on the sidewalk.
The use of reflective materials by pedestrians, especially in autumn and winter, when it is dark early and visibility is definitely worse, can save a life.
The reflective element should be placed in such a place that it would be in the field of the car headlights and be noticeable for drivers approaching from both directions (back and front). The car dipped beam illuminates the path asymmetrically (more light is directed to the right side of the road), therefore it is recommended to walk the left side of the road (in the opposite direction to the vehicle traffic) wearing reflectors on the right hand or leg (from the direction of vehicle movement).
Outside the built-up area, the roads usually do not have separate pavements and are mostly not lit or are poorly lit. In addition, drivers develop much higher speeds than in the built-up area, and pedestrians in dark clothes, without reflections, unfortunately, are completely invisible to the drivers. Correctly worn reflective elements can save lives by walking.
Wear reflections – no gadgets!
When buying a reflector, pay attention to whether the CE mark has been affixed to it, the name of the manufacturer and the type of the product and whether the instructions for use are included. The lack of these elements means that it is a gadget – not a reflection.
Be visible – do not cover it!
Check if the reflective elements are not covered by, for example, a scarf, bag or backpack.
You care for health – be an example!
Do you like to run? Use reflective elements.
You love – take care of security!
Make sure your loved ones are visible on the road and use reflective elements.
Live – think!
Do not enter the road directly in front of a moving vehicle, including a pedestrian crossing. Wear reflective vests made with reflective fabrics.
They are fashion – they care about their safety
The most important information about the use of reflectors was provided by the policemen from the local police station, who provided the pedestrians with reflective gadgets, thanks to which they are visible from the distance for drivers. Everything took place during the “senior wafer meeting” to which local law enforcement officers were invited. The police emphasized that they care about the safety of the residents and that is why they want to introduce the fashion for wearing reflectors with reflective materials in built-up areas as well.