Police officers remind us that every pedestrian travelling after dark on a road outside a built-up area is required to use reflective elements, which very often save lives.
Let us remember that visibility after dark at this time of year is considerably impaired by weather conditions.
Because of the short days and early darkness, police officers remind pedestrians travelling on the road of their obligations.
Current regulations impose on pedestrians the obligation to use reflective elements when travelling outside a built-up area after dark.
It is worth knowing that after dark, a pedestrian wearing subdued grey-and-black clothing and without reflective elements on their outer garments is visible to a vehicle driver from a distance of just 40 metres. By contrast, a pedestrian wearing “reflective gear” can be visible from as far away as 150 metres.
These additional metres often allow a driver to brake and safely avoid a pedestrian. Certainly, in autumn and winter, when darkness falls early and weather conditions deteriorate considerably, pedestrians on the roads become difficult to see, so the likelihood of them being hit by a vehicle increases significantly.
We must remember that by using reflective gear, we will be noticed much more quickly by vehicle drivers, which may protect us from injury or even loss of life.
Reflective gear can take various forms, such as pendants, bands or vests. A great deal of clothing nowadays, especially clothing for children, already comes equipped with reflective elements.
Let reflective gear become fashionable and commonplace, regardless of the season, time of day or weather conditions. It is always better to be visible!