Only in 2017 on Polish roads, the police recorded 32,760 accidents, in which 2,131 people lost their lives. Over 38 percent of them were not motorized - it's pedestrians or cyclists. Especially in autumn and winter, this statistic can be improved, taking care of its visibility.
There is a mistaken belief that only after passing the driving test we become participants in the road traffic. After all, drivers and motorcyclists have to undergo many hours of training, during which they learn the rules and rules of getting around on the roads. Meanwhile, the Law on Road Traffic clearly indicates that the records collected in it relate to each of us, whether we are moving by car, motorbike, bike or even on foot.
Be visible - a legal obligation!
Art. 2. The terms used in the Act shall mean:
17) participant in the movement - walking, driving, and other people staying
in a vehicle or on a vehicle on the road;
Who is he walking then? The Code defines him as a "person" outside the vehicle on the road and not carrying out works or activities stipulated by separate regulations, and also a person driving, pulling or pushing a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, pram, handicapped or disabled, a person moving in a wheelchair, as well as a person under the age of 10 driving a bicycle under the care of an adult. " It is worth noting here that according to the pedestrian regulations there is also a person moving on a scooter, skateboard or rollerblading.
The entire second chapter of the Act applies to pedestrian traffic. The set of principles contained in it is aimed at maintaining order on the road, as well as taking care of our safety. It clearly defines where pedestrians can move, how they should cross the road or track, and what rights and responsibilities they have. By passing the driving test, you are confirmed that you have read the applicable regulations. Pedestrians do not have to do this, going to the roads or sidewalks, but this does not absolve them from the obligation to comply with the rules. Today we will focus on one that was added in mid-2014:
4a. Pedestrian moving along the road after dark outside the built-up area is obliged to use reflective materials in a visible way for other road users unless it moves on a road intended only for pedestrians or on the sidewalk.
The law requires the wearing of reflective tapes or reflective vests outside built-up areas, but there is no doubt that using them on any road can save a life. The cheapest enchains can be bought for a few zlotys, and it takes less than a minute to mount them to a backpack or bag. As you can see, their help can be invaluable especially now, when the darkness falls early, and the visibility of the road leaves much to be desired.
