Reflectors protect pedestrians and cyclists

Pay attention to fluorescent and reflective materials.

Autumn has special requirements in road traffic: The days are getting shorter; the weather is getting worse and thus the overall visibility. Adverse weather conditions, slippery roads, and short periods of daylight give pedestrians and cyclists a greater risk of being overlooked by motorists. It is therefore highly recommended to wear light clothing in rain, fog, and darkness. "Additional safety is provided by reflectors, which are already perceived by drivers at distances of up to 150 meters, thus allowing enough reaction time and stopping distance," says Ralf Deskman, TÜV Rhineland expert for product safety. In comparison: A bright cap or jacket is only seen up to 90 meters, dark jackets can hardly perceive motorists or at a distance of about 30 meters.

Pay attention to the test mark

"When buying reflective products, consumers should pay attention to the corresponding standards, license plates and test seals," Deskman says. Reflectors should comply with DIN standard EN 13356 and bear the CE mark. "If the GS mark is appropriate for tested safety, the product and the manufacturer are also monitored regularly." For safety vests the standard EN 20471 applies - this check number should be present on the label of the safety vest. Reflective straps for joggers with incorporated prisms also ensure good reflective properties.

By the way: warning clothing is divided into three classes depending on the proportion of fluorescent and retro reflective materials, with class 3 offering the best visibility. "Fluorescent materials or colors are particularly noticeable during foggy and rainy weather during the day, and retro reflective material ensures very good visibility at night, for example when it is illuminated by car headlights," says Riemann. If uncertainties arise with regard to the retro reflective behavior during the purchase, the TÜV Rhineland expert recommends making a cell phone photo with flashlight from the reflection surface from a few meters away. Good retro reflective behavior is then directly visible on the display.