The autumn-winter period is a difficult time not only for drivers. Fast darkness, long dark evenings and rainy weather affect the safety of unprotected road users. At this particular time, pedestrians are obliged to take care of their own visibility. Thanks to the reflections on an unlit road, the driver will notice the pedestrian even from a distance of 200 meters.

 

The police remind that every pedestrian, which moves along dusk outside the built-up area, must have a reflective element placed in a visible way for drivers. People who do not comply with the regulations endanger their lives. Pedestrian dressed in a dark outfit is seen by the driver of the vehicle from a distance of about 40 meters. Reflective materials increase the visibility to a distance of 150 meters, and the vest up to 200 m. The Institute of Motor Transport suggests how to buy and use reflective accessories correctly.

 

Autumn on the road – what to watch when traveling?

 

The rules for the correct use of reflectors

 

1. When buying a reflective vest, 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 the product should not be used on the road – it is a gadget that only looks like a reflection.

 

2. The lower the reflector placed, the better the car’s headlamps will illuminate it and the driver can see the pedestrian earlier. The optimal height at which the user should wear a reflector is the height of the headlamps falling on it.

 

3. Make sure that the reflective accessories worn are not covered, like with a scarf, bag or backpack.

 

4. Walking along the left side of the road (in the opposite direction to the movement of vehicles), it is best to wear reflections on the right hand or leg (from the direction of vehicle movement). When we move in the column, we should go the right side and wear a reflection on the left hand or leg (from the direction of vehicle movement).

 

5. In the case of elements permanently attached to clothing (especially sew on reflective tapes), periodically check that the reflective surface has not been wiped off, eg as a result of repeated washing or rubbing. If we notice that the reflective tape sewn on our clothing or backpack is worn, it should be replaced.

 

6. If the reflector is leaking and water gets into it (this applies to reflectors made of plastic and prismatic foils), replace it with a new one. The water inside the reflective surface causes the loss of reflective properties.