In summer, dusk falls later than in autumn. However, it should be remembered that the time of summer relaxation does not exempt pedestrians from taking care of their own safety. Police officers remind us that every pedestrian travelling after dark on a road outside a built-up area must wear a reflector placed in a way that makes it visible to drivers. Failure to wear a reflective element is punishable by a fine of PLN 20 to PLN 500.
Officers:
We urge pedestrians to wear reflective elements that can save their lives. In conditions of poor visibility, when a pedestrian is wearing clothing in subdued grey and black colours and has no reflective elements on their outer clothing, a driver notices them with a considerable delay.
Let us remember that in darkness, a pedestrian can see a car’s headlights from a distance of several kilometres, but a driver will notice them only when they see the outline of a person within the vehicle’s headlight range.
After dark, without reflective elements, we are visible in dipped headlights from a distance of just 20–30 metres. If a driver is travelling at 90 km/h, they cover 25 metres in 1 second and have no chance to react in any way when they notice a pedestrian in their path.
And they emphasise:
However, if a pedestrian is equipped with a reflective element that reflects car headlights, the driver will spot them from a distance of 130–150 metres, or about five times sooner! This can save the pedestrian’s life.