As promised in the previous article, once a month we will post information about reflective clothing for motorcyclists. Increase your visibility and thus improve your safety. The time has come for news from the world of flares. The first question should be "how do flares work"?
Retro reflection - this is the principle on which glare works. It consists in the fact that the light reflects from the reflective material and returns to its source. Reflective materials have such a structure that the light is reflected in the direction close to that from which it falls (not only when it falls perpendicularly). This structure is created by special elements placed on the material - glass microspheres or small acrylic prisms.
When describing these technical details, we had a specific goal. Since we already know how the reflectors work, the next question should be, do all the reflections "shine"? Only certified glare "shine". Two ways will allow you to check whether your motorcycle reflections work:
Take a picture with your phone turned on with your reflections off at a distance of about 6m. If you see a characteristic flash in the picture, it means that your reflections are OK. After a few washes of your motorcycle clothing with reflective elements, do it again. If the picture has the same effect, it means that your reflective vest is of good quality. Unfortunately, it often happens that unproven reflections lose their qualities after several washes (fluorescent material and reflective tape lose their properties).
The second way is to remember this abbreviation - EN 471. If the reflections are certified, the label should indicate that the product was made of materials that meet the EN 471 standard or the product meets the EN 471 standard. The creators of the Hen campaign deliberately took pictures with a mobile phone with the flash so that everyone could do it himself or herself. The magazine in which the photos were taken - the light gets to the minimum through the windows above the model.
What is the EN 471 standard?
EN 471 is High visibility warning clothing for professional (professional) use. The standard specifies the requirements for clothing visually signaling the presence of the user, to be seen and seen in hazardous conditions with daylight and headlight.
This article contains some technical information about flares. Why are we writing about it? Because we met several times with the actions of many companies that, wanting to promote their brand, handed out various reflections, usually vests. The objectives of the campaign were lofty, but unfortunately, these vests were often not certified, and they simply did not shine in artificial light (in the headlights of cars). Therefore, someone in Poland has overcome and put on such a reflective vest to increase his visibility. In addition, here is a surprise - reflections do not "shine" and we have a tragedy.
If you already wear safety vest, pay attention to whether our reflective motorcycle vest, belts, or suspenders are certified and shine. Motorcyclists "Let you be seen"
