On 2 March this year, Zgorzelec police officers gave a talk on road safety rules, particularly the regulations concerning vulnerable road users—primarily pedestrians and cyclists. During the meeting, they discussed with the young residents, among other things, the rules for moving safely along the road. The main aim of the meeting was to raise the students’ awareness of the dangers they may face and ways to avoid them. At the end, the police officers handed out reflective items to the participants, which significantly improve their visibility on the road.
Let us remember: after dark, a pedestrian wearing dark clothing is visible to a vehicle driver from a distance of approximately 40 metres. By contrast, a pedestrian wearing reflective elements becomes visible from as far away as 150 metres.
Reflective elements may include items attached to clothing, bands, vests and lanyards. Their placement is important: reflective items are recommended at knee and hand height, around the centre of the chest and on the back—this ensures that they are clearly visible to other road users.
As parents and guardians, let us set a good example for the youngest children. Let us cross the road only at permitted places, safely and sensibly. To improve children’s safety, let us equip their clothing and backpacks with reflective elements that are visible after dark.