Electric scooters and road safety

Electric scooters, an increasingly popular vehicle in urban areas, not only provide convenience for everyday travel but can also pose a safety risk. To find ways to ensure that environmentally-friendly vehicles spread in cities without causing chaos and pedestrian danger, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is inviting municipalities for discussion and expecting ideas from the public. "Electric scooters are a very comfortable and environmentally friendly vehicle. However, we would like to remind you that their users are also road users, who are bound by all rules of safe conduct. Unfortunately, there are more and more examples of scooters endangering themselves and others. We don't want to talk about prohibitions, we have enough of them, but a discussion about traffic culture is a must," said Minister of Transport and Communications Rokas Masiulis. E-scooters with power up to 1kW and a maximum speed of 25km / h equate to motorbikes. The drivers of such e-scooters should keep in mind that they are subject to the same requirements as cyclists. Both bicycle and e-scooter drivers must give way to pedestrians, not be disturbed or endangered. When passing a pedestrian, the speed must be reduced to a speed close to the person's walking distance (3-7 km / h) and a safe distance must be maintained.

Also, to cross a pedestrian crossing, both the e-scooter and the bicycle rider must disembark from the vehicle and carry it safely. During the dark hours, you should wear a bright safety vest with reflective tapes and have lights on. Where there are no cycle paths or bike lanes, sidewalks, bicycles are allowed on the sidewalks. In Lithuania, it was decided to allow this in 2014, given the inadequate bicycle path infrastructure and the safety of cyclists. Recently, the proliferation of e-scooters has led to an increase in related accidents. Pedestrian dissatisfaction is also heard that e-scooters on the sidewalk are a threat to the safety of both pedestrians and e-scooters themselves. It is noticeable that in some cases e-scooter drivers either do not know or disregard the statutory traffic regulations. The Ministry of Transport is appealing to all municipalities in the country to discuss the modalities of e-scooter participation in public traffic. Citizens' opinion is also awaited. The ministry also invites municipalities to carry out active educational training and supervision of road users and to develop bicycle-friendly infrastructure enabling safe cycling and e-scooter traffic.

Drones pilots will need reflective vests and OCTA

To promote the safety of unmanned aircraft, including drones, the government approved procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft and other aircraft.

The rules stipulate that remote piloting will be possible from the age of 16, except high-risk flights from the age of 18. The operations of sensitive unmanned aircraft will be subject to long-term approval by the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA). This will require you to pass a test of theoretical and practical knowledge, a flight risk assessment and a flight record. The CAA will conduct a test of remote pilots' theoretical knowledge and practical skills free of charge.

The new regime regulates safety clearance depending on the mass and speed of an unmanned aircraft. With the CAA's permission, it will be possible to fly unmanned aircraft near a public event. At the same time, conditions will be eased for flights close to or above infrastructure facilities. It is intended to introduce an information sign prohibiting the operation of unmanned aircraft. Cabinet regulations define state and military unmanned aircraft separately.

Liability insurance is also provided. It will henceforth be extended to unmanned aircraft with a total take-off mass of over 250 grams for high-risk operations. On the other hand, unmanned aircraft with a take-off mass above 1.5 kg will require third party liability insurance regardless of the risk of flight.

The remote pilot will be responsible for ensuring that he and the flight observer are visible and wear a reflective vest.

The regulations impose stricter requirements for the operation of unmanned aircraft near aerodromes or elsewhere that impose restrictions on the use of airspace.

Pet Safety on the water. How to choose a life jacket for a dog?

Summer, sun, wind and of course water! As you know, not only people but also our four-legged friends enjoy the pleasures of water. Even if a dog is a good swimmer, it can cause panic in dangerous situations, so the owner needs to take care of the pet's safety early.

Several factors influence your dog's water safety:

A dog accustomed to a peaceful life at home, quickly tired of swimming. If the pet has swum too far and is not out of the water by itself, it will panic;

waves or underwater currents can quickly exhaust even the best swimmer;

some dog breeds, such as French bulldogs or pugs, are not physically fit for long-term swimming. They have short legs, a large head and a flat muzzle that make breathing difficult during bathing;

even dog breeds that like water, such as Labradors, can experience discomfort when swimming if they are overweight, sick, or age-sensitive.

One way to take care of your pet's safety is to purchase a life jacket for him. Wearing a safety vest before bathing will allow the animal to remain afloat in any situation. The moment the animal starts to panic, it may try to climb on the owner - if he wears a life jacket, the dog will lose weight and will not endanger the human being.

If they tip over when traveling by boat or kayak, the life jacket will help your dog float quickly over water and reduce panic. Animal life safety jackets are also equipped with a handle above the animal's back - if the dog falls into the water, the owner can lift it comfortably and quickly.

The vest with reflective tape will also be useful if the pet is just learning to swim - it provides an extra sense of security and reduces the animal's fear.

How to choose a life jacket?

Good buoyancy. There should be foam padding on the back and sides of the vest so that the dog is always in a natural swimming position.

Size. The life jacket must fit close to the animal's body, but be careful not to tighten it too. It is possible to adjust the size of the vest a little, but you should go to the store with the dog to try it on.

Handle. The lifejacket must be fitted with a durable and ergonomic handle so that the pet can be quickly lifted out of the water when needed.

Closure. The vest's closure must be durable and of good quality so that it does not slide off the body of the dog itself and can be opened and closed quickly if necessary.

Home teaching and canceling the form

On the eve of the new academic year, 2019-2020, HB tells what innovations students, teachers and students are waiting for.

Study at home

As of September 1, parents of students will be able to take advantage of all types of an individual form of education. This may be family education, externships or pedagogical patronage.

In this case, the transfer of the student to study at home is possible at the request of parents and does not require additional coordination, as it was before. The relevant changes, approved by the order of the Ministry of Education, entered into force on August 20, 2019.

However, children receiving family education will be screened four times a year for their knowledge to meet the requirements of the school curriculum. To do this, the student must be enrolled in a particular institution, which will monitor his progress in learning.

Enrollment in an externship or teaching with the patronage of patronage involves more requirements. You can read more about the features of each form of individual education on the Ministry of Education website.

Cancellation of school uniform

For the first time this school year, Ukrainian students were officially allowed not to wear school uniforms. The corresponding decree was issued on June 2019 by President Vladimir Zelensky.

Thus, he abolished the school uniform decree, effective since 1996, issued by President Leonid Kuchma.

It remained in force, though, even more than a year ago, the Ministry of Education sent an official letter to the schools explaining that the school uniform was not compulsory.

Safety vests for younger students

On September 1, the rule that children in grades 1-4 are required to attend school in special reflective vests with reflective tapes will come into force in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Vladimir Groisman said the vests would be individual and free.

The decision to make junior high school students more visible to drivers and road users was taken in the spring of 2019 during an all-Ukrainian road safety coordination meeting.

Educational Ombudsman

In August 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers officially appointed Sergiy Gorbachev, Principal of Kyiv School No. 148, the first educational ombudsman in the history of Ukraine.

Its mission is to protect the rights of those who receive education, as well as pedagogical, scientific-pedagogical and scientific workers. Thus, Gorbachev's main task will be to deal with complaints from students, students, and teachers.

The Ombudsman Service has no more than one month to review each specific complaint. The Ombudsman then decides on the merits of the complaint and gives a written response to the outcome of the complaint.

He must then take five working days to restore and protect the applicant's infringed rights.

It may provide the necessary clarifications and recommendations to educational institutions and local authorities, advise the applicant, and represent his interests in court.

Raising salaries for teachers

From September 1, salary rates will increase by 10% for those teachers whose positions last year remained unchanged. This decision was made on August 2019 by the Cabinet of Ministers.

It is a question of pedagogical workers of establishments of preschool, extracurricular and professional (vocational-technical) education.

Also, as of January 1, 2020, wages for all educators will be raised from 20% to 70% as part of the wage reform for teachers. According to the Cabinet of Ministers' July resolution, the gradual increase will continue until 2023.

The price of contract training in popular specialties

In 2020, the cost of contract training in popular specialties may increase - the Cabinet is preparing the appropriate decision.

The draft regulation proposes to set a price limit below which higher education institutions cannot reduce the cost of training. It will depend on the cost of preparing students at the expense of the state budget.

The minimum contract value in 2020 should be 60%, in 2021 - 70%, in 2022 - 80% of the average cost of preparing one student for the state budget.

Increasing the price of contract training will affect, first of all, popular specialties in which the labor market is not deficient. These are philology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, journalism, management, marketing, law, international relations, medicine, veterinary medicine, and others.

Bicycle helmets are optional in the city!

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular, but many people do not know the rules. On the initiative of Commissioner Marius Révész, the Transport Smart Workbook was published.

According to the Highway, you can drive on the road, sidewalk, bicycle path and cycle lane. On the roadside, however, only if there is no separate cycle path or footpath, you should always roll on the right side of the roadway. But more importantly, where you should not ride your bike. These paths always indicated by signs on the road, but you may also end up on two wheels without a license, so they may not be clear. However, it may be clear to everyone that parts of the biking table should be avoided, but if this is not possible, at least get off the bike and push it on the sidewalk.

Much depends on the type

Before you buy a bike, think about what terrain you will be using it for.

1. Urban Bike: It's best for school, work, or rolling it into the store.

2. Mountain Bike: It was invented to be ridden on a mountain, a valley, a ditch, or a bush. Asphalt, the city is not the real thing.

3. Bicycle tours: Suitable for long distances and even luggage can be carried comfortably with you.

4. Road bike: This is the fastest way to get around the asphalt. At the world's most famous bicycle race, the Tour de France, they will bypass France in just 3 weeks.

5. BMX: Designed to do spectacular tricks.

6. Fatbike: thanks to its extra-wide rubber, it rolls over almost anything. It is worth trying out in the forest, on the field, on the snow.

7. Cargo bicycle: used for the carriage of goods. The advantage is that in big cities you can often go to places you can't get by car.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

1. Two well-functioning brakes

2. Well-functioning steering system

3. White or yellow front lamp

4. Red light tail light

5. White front prism

6. Redback prism

7. Amber yellow spokes (at least 2 on the front wheel) or reflective strip on the rubber

8. Bell

Useful visibility reflective vest when lighting conditions are very poor

Dead space is dangerous

Accidentally, the cyclist should not be in the dead-end of a car, where it is not even visible from the rearview mirror.

1. Never stop in front of, behind or next to a large vehicle.

2. Never drive a large vehicle from the right at an intersection.

3. Always try to keep eye contact with your driver.

4. If you do not feel safe with a larger vehicle, you may prefer to push the bike onto the sidewalk.

No matter how we take the intersection

If you want to turn your bike, you must "index" it anyway. To do this on a bicycle, according to the Traffic Signs, lift your arms near our trunk and stretch them out and turn your palms. In all cases, look back before the maneuver. The same is true if we want to avoid some obstacle

Important!

Bicycles are not allowed on the main road under 12 years. You may only enter the street marked with a sign, except for cyclists, if the sign is below the sign.

Of course, the driver must also be attentive to the cyclist. If a driver overtakes a cyclist, there must be a distance of at least 1.5 meters between the cane and the car, but 1 meter is enough in the city, writes the Transporting Smart Workbook, which last year received about 200,000 copies of 4th and 5th grade for school.

Protect your head, but how?

The traffic regulations only require wearing a helmet: outside the built-up area at speeds above 40 kilometers per hour.

It does not matter that one wears a helmet, this is also a rule.

1. The helmet should lie flat on the head and the edge should be two fingers high above the eyes.

2. Adjust the helmet headband so tight that the headgear remains in place even if the headband is shaken with a slight shake.

3. Align the two straps just below the ear in a V shape.

4. Keep one finger between the chin and strap. The strap should not obstruct the view or breathing.

To make us more noticeable in the dark, you can use a backpack and clothes with reflective tapes, or you can get a reflective strap for a few hundred forints that you can put on your wrists and ankles.

Petition To Move Halloween To Last Saturday Of The Month Goes Viral, But Does It Have Any Hope?

Halloween is arguably one of the most fun, carefree holidays for people young and old. From dressing up in costume to consuming wild amounts of candy, there's a lot to love about this holiday with one exception - its date of October 31. The event sometimes falls in the middle of the week, which can cause some issues for parents concerned with their kids' busy schedules. And this could be one reason why a petition to move Halloween to the last Saturday of the month has gone viral. But some might be wondering: Does this suggestion have any chance of happening?

The petition in question was first launched in 2018 by the nonprofit, the Halloween & Costume Association, a "trade organization to promote and build a celebration of Halloween in the United States," according to CNN. And despite being an old petitioner, it recently started gaining traction online with over 97,000 signatures as of Sunday.

Here's what's going on in a nutshell: The petition suggests that bumping Halloween from its current date into October will create a "safer, longer, stress-free celebration." It also means no more rushing to get off work in time to take the kids trick-or-treating, missing out on all the good candy, and battles to get to school the next morning.

The petition claims 3,800 people are injected every year on Halloween and 82 percent of parents don't prioritize high-visibility aids, like reflective tape, glow sticks, or finger lights, on costumes. And while child safety is a noble cause, it's going to take more than support from the public to see Halloween moved to a new date because it requires the help of politicians.

As noted by KXAN, an NBC News affiliate station, President Donald Trump would be the first to go to Congress and ask that Halloween be named a government-regulated holiday. That has only happened six times since 1888, according to the outlet, so the odds of it happening for Halloween aren't great. What's more? This cause doesn't appear to be on Trump's radar right now, which is somewhat unsurprising.

As for the list of current federal holidays, it includes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Inauguration Day, George Washington's birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, according to ThoughtCo. And according to the publication, local and state governments establish their holiday schedules, while businesses are free to do the same. This explains why some stores remain open on holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, while others close.

It's important to note that some of the aforementioned holidays have become government-regulated events more recently than others. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, for example, was first celebrated as a holiday in all 50 states in 2000, according to USA TODAY. This should give hope to those who want Halloween moved to a new date, as there's a chance it could have added to the official list of federal holidays. That being said, I wouldn't count on it happening anytime soon.

It is also worth preparing the car for the holidays

Families typically go on vacation at this time, and according to statistics, at least 50 percent of them leave by car. As the average age of the domestic vehicle fleet is over 14, chances are many people do it with older cars.

It is also worth preparing the car for the holidays

Families typically go on vacation at this time, and according to statistics, at least 50 percent of them leave by car. As the average age of the domestic vehicle fleet is over 14, chances are many people do it with older cars.

Families are preparing for months to relax for one to two weeks, as it feels good to break out of your daily routine and relax all year long. According to Gfk Hungária's analysis, 54% of the Hungarian population are planning a summer trip, and the car remains the most popular travel tool. Therefore, it is important to know what to look out for before you leave, as proper preparation is needed to reach your destination.

Let's have the car checked.

Dealerships offer seasonal inspections that check the condition of our car for a few thousand forints. If necessary, they can remedy the problems here. It is important that the chassis, tires, brakes, air conditioning are in good condition before traveling, but it is equally important to check the level of fluids (eg brake, radiator, washer), bulbs and spare wheel.

The tire pressure is adjusted according to the number of luggage and passengers, as more people are traveling in the car, with many things, more pressure is needed on the wheels. Under low pressure, the tires can wear irregularly and, in extreme situations, tires that become warm due to friction due to deformation may explode.

Check the accessories!

It is mandatory to carry a first aid kit and a warning triangle in the car, fire extinguishers, visibility reflective vests, glow kits, and a tow rope are required in many countries.

Let's take out insurance!

Before leaving, make sure you have international insurance for your vehicle and do not forget to ensure your passengers with sickness and luggage, as lacking them can cause serious costs.

Let's pack professionally!

In the event of sudden braking or an accident, poorly secured luggage can cause serious problems, so it is worth paying attention to how we pack. Let's put the bigger, heavier things down, and the smaller, lighter packs can go up. Secure sharp objects with a strap and cover the trunk with a blanket! If you carry a larger item in the passenger compartment, you can even fasten it with a seat belt, and place the smaller items in the compartments and glove compartments designed for this purpose. But we also make sure that the passengers, especially the children, are properly seated in the car.

Let's pay attention to these

Before we set out on the road, let's look at the rules of foreign countries, because not knowing them did not exempt us from the offenses we had committed. We also map where and what kind of highway sticker we will need. Let's feed our destination into navigation even at home, and be sure to allow highway usage for the software! Finally, on the fly, do not go out of the way to reach your destination with as few stops as possible, but relax in time when everyone can get a little refreshed.