Xunta and DGT will distribute 7,400 reflective vests among pedestrians

Different departments of the Xunta and the Directorate General of Traffic will distribute 7,400 reflective vests among pedestrians, as vulnerable road users, to improve their safety.

The initiative of the Consellería de Infraestruturas plans to deliver 30,000 vests with reflective tapes for pedestrians and 3,000 for cyclists between 2018 and 2020, with a budget of more than 108,000 euros.

The Conselleria de Infraestruturas e Mobilidade, Ethel Vázquez, has delivered these garments to various departments of the Galician government and the DGT, which will collaborate in its distribution, in an act this Friday.

The objective is to work to achieve the purpose of reducing risks in transit on the roads of the most vulnerable users, for which actions are necessary for children, the elderly, people with reduced mobility, cyclists or motorcyclists

Precisely, also the Civil Guard of Ourense has reported the start of a campaign to deliver vests to pedestrians who are transiting the roads of the province.

The campaign is aimed at older people, since they are the ones with the shortest commutes on foot, and who usually wear garments of inconspicuous colors.

We try to raise awareness that with the reduction of daylight hours, the frequent fog areas, the existence of rainy days and the absence of solar lighting in autumn and winter, pedestrians are a very vulnerable group that frequently suffer abuses.

It also translates that the use of the vest is mandatory between sunset and sunrise and in cases of reduced visibility due to the variation of weather conditions.

Everything you need to know about mandatory vests and triangles

From Wednesday, any car not equipped with fluorescent vest and the pre-signaling triangle is liable to a fine of at least 90 euros. The remainder of the main provisions of this new security measure.

How many vest and triangle should one have onboard? A reflective vest and a pre-signaling triangle must have been in each vehicle since July 1st. However the Minister of Ecology, in charge of road safety, Jean-Louis Borloo had granted a deadline until Wednesday so that motorists can equip themselves "in the best conditions". From 1 October, law enforcement officials will verbalize any driver who does not have the two objects onboard his car.

Should the vest be visible under all circumstances? The retro-reflective vest must be worn by the driver before he leaves his vehicle. But it is not mandatory to drape the vest in the front passenger seat. The jacket should only be easy to access, storing it in the glove box or under a seat is enough.

Where should the triangle be placed? The triangle must be onboard the vehicle, be stored in the cockpit and not in the trunk of the car, and be placed on the road, as soon as the driver leaves his vehicle, at a distance of at least 30 meters from the vehicle. the automobile or obstacle to reporting. Hazard warning lights remain mandatory when the car equipped with them.

Where can we buy them? The kit is in supermarkets, in the centers' autos, in the markets as in the Paris metro. Prices can vary from single to triple, from 6.50 € in hypermarket to 20 € in the corridors of public transport of the capital.

To comply with European legislation, the vest must be marked "CE" and the triangle marked "E27R".

In case of infringement, what is the risk? The offending motorist incurs a fine of 135 euros. The amount of the contravention can be reduced to 90 euros if it is paid on the spot or within three days after the verbalization.

What is the legislation for two wheels? Bikers and scooter drivers are exempted from wearing a vest under any circumstances. The jacket is recommended but not mandatory for cyclists traveling in town.

On the other hand, wearing the vest is imposed on cyclists, pilots, and passengers, who ride out of town in poor visibility conditions (rain, fog) or during the night. In the case of forgetfulness, the pedal will have to pay a fine of 35 euros.

Is the yellow vest mandatory for motorcycles and scooters?

The mandatory wearing of the yellow reflective vest, which returns to the front of the scene in recent days, is an old story for bikers. One could even say an old fight since users of two motorized wheels has so far been opposed to such a change. It is indeed not the first time that the idea of wearing a retro-reflective vest is advanced.

At the Interdepartmental Committee on Road Safety (IRB) on May 11, 2011, the government had already tried to impose it. After a few days of intense debate, the interior minister at the time, Claude Guéant, had backtracked. In the aftermath of the IRB's announcements, many mobilizations were supported by the French Association of Suppliers and Users of Driver Assistance Technologies (AFFTAC). The bikers had been able to get quite easily the setting of the wearing of the vest. To be precise, he did not leave the closet but in the bag or under the saddle, since the presence of this equipment is mandatory in an automobile as motorized two-wheelers.

So why come out the vest?

Some misplaced minds could say that by imposing the yellow vest to bikers, it would tear the protesters. But this idea stems rather from the upcoming arrival in the Highway Code of the New Personal Electric Vehicles (NVEI) or Personal Movement Vehicles (PDU). Electric scooters and other hoverboards that swarm on the sidewalks of our cities for a few months. The government has therefore announced on May 4 an amendment to the Highway Code for September 2019. It's objective: to make room in the regulation of these devices new mobility by imposing them, in addition to the helmet, the wearing of the yellow vest, night and during the day when "visibility is insufficient".

Remember that it had long been envisaged to settle the legal issues raised by their arrival in the context of the Mobility Orientation Act (LOM). But its adoption is slow and the multiplication of incidents no longer allows to wait. The legal vacuum will be filled at the start of the school year using a regulatory amendment. However, the LOM law has not said its last word in terms of new mobility. And one will find probably in this catch-all text provisions relating specifically to NVEI or EDP. This is notably the case of amendment No. CD1951 filed on May 9 by 27 LaREM deputies, whose logic and content.

Everyone has the same sign

The diversity of the acclaimed machines, especially by users of agglomerations, raises the question of coherence. So we already find this concern in the announcements made May 4, in terms of wearing a helmet. It would indeed have been difficult to allow young users under the age of twelve to ride on a scooter without a helmet, while they must wear it when they are struggling on the bike.

The logic is a bit similar for Amendment No. CD1951 tabled on May 9th. We understand the concern of members to ensure the good visibility of users of electric scooters or other Monowheel, especially at night.

The text of Amendment No. CD1951

"Chapter 6 of Book 4 of the Highway Code is supplemented by a new Article L. 413-6 as follows: Article L. 413-6 - In circulation, every driver or passenger of a bicycle, a scooter, a Segway, a motorcycle, a motor tricycle, a motor quadricycle or a moped must wear a high visibility vest and be wearing a type-approved helmet. must be tied in. The fact that any driver contravenes the provisions of this section is punishable by the fine for class IV tickets. " In other words, everyone is housed in the same sign yellow mandatory vest, bike to the bike through the scooter. Note that the question of the degree of visibility is not addressed in this amendment.

The question of the legal framework of these machines certainly had to be settled. But with electric scooters that can sneak as fast as scooter or motorcycle, the question of the difference in treatment arises. Why impose the wearing of the vest to the user of one of these scooters while the driver of a scooter neither more nor less fast would be dispensed? That's why the 27 members want to impose the yellow vest on everyone.

In any case, many clubs and biker associations have already expressed their hostility to wearing the yellow vest with reflective tape.

Reflective vest belongs to the car cabin and not to the trunk

Reflective vest, which is part of the mandatory equipment of the vehicle, belongs to the car cabin and not to its trunk. This is the basic lesson that motorists have been able to meet over the past few days in traffic controls around the metropolis. The Central Bohemian Police have been involved in a preventive action aimed at increasing the visibility of motorists.

Its mission is to remind motorists of the obligation to use a warning safety vest every time a driver leaves a car to deal with a technical fault or traffic accident. "That is why he should have it at hand and not in the luggage compartment," said police officer Monika Schindlová.

Having a chauffeur's vest in your car is a duty. However, police officers point out the need to ensure safety for the entire crew. It is ideal for everyone in the car to have a vest in their car for Uncle Event.

It is not just about words. As part of preventive action, police officers pass on another vest to the inspected driver. "Just for fellow travelers," Schindl explained, adding that very positive reactions were heard from drivers.

During the first 13 days of the campaign, the Central Bohemia police handed out a total of 462 reflective vests at nine inspection events; most in the Kladno region and in the nearest metropolis.

But by far not all the vests are over. The current wave of the campaign is scheduled for December 15, when motorists in Mlada Boleslav will meet police officers with waistcoats, and further checks are planned until February.

For the use of a warning vest for drivers who get out of the car to deal with a crisis situation - police would also recommend pedestrians as a useful addition. And if not a vest sew on reflective tape, then at least reflective clothing. Especially in the current season with short days, long nights and sometimes poor visibility even at noon.

Without exaggeration, it can be a matter of life and death in the dark or in the rain. While, for example, a figure in blue clothing, can only be seen from 18 meters, reflective elements are visible up to 200 meters. While driving at 75 km / h, the driver needs about 30 meters to react and avoid pedestrians.

One reflective vest may not be enough in the car

In the winter months, drivers can easily get into unpleasant situations due to vehicle breakdown, skidding or traffic accidents. Do you know how to behave in the event that the ride cannot continue? Who should wear a reflective vest and do you just need to carry one? And is it better to stay in the car or get off?

If your car breaks down, try to drive it as close as possible to the roadside, especially if this happens outside the city or on the highway. Switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights. Keep your reflective vest at your fingertips and get out in the reflective vest on the right side of the car. Now it's time to place the warning triangle. Place it at the edge of the road so that it is visible and clearly visible to the arriving driver at least 50 m away (in the village this distance may be shorter if required), at least 100 m behind the vehicle on the motorway. Then go to a safe distance from the car and call for assistance.

In the event of a traffic accident, if none of the participants are involved and there is no need to call the ambulance or the police, follow the same procedure as in the case of a breakdown. Turn on the hazard warning lights if the accident happened outside the village - put on a reflective vest, and then place the warning triangle.

Remember to document the situation for the insurance company and agree on the fault. It is advisable to have everything in writing, preferably through the "European Accident Record" form. If you cannot agree on the fault, it will be better to call the police for an accident. In case of injury to one of the car accident participants, do not forget to provide first aid, rescue service and police. Then follow their instructions for further steps.

If you cannot continue driving and have your car parked at the side of the road outside the town or even on the motorway, always get out of the car and take a safe distance. "Overcome the crash barrier or embankment and move away from the car until assistance comes. Never stay in the car and leave little children in it. One of the passing drivers can easily overlook and break down a car parked at the shoulder," says Olga Boučková.

"The use of a reflective vest with reflective tape is only mandatory for drivers in the Czech Republic. However, it should be remembered that pedestrians suddenly become pedestrians from the rest of the crew, who are also required to be reflective elements outside the village. In this case, it may be useful to have a vest for each crew member," recommends Olga Boučková.

Attention! Although the law does not impose the obligation to carry reflective vests inside the car, even since they are not compulsory since last year, the driver is obliged to use the reflective clothing whenever he exits the car during an emergency stand and moves on the road outside the village. So if you are driving out of town, always carry a reflective vest with you.

Bitter friction for cyclists

After the roadside policeman's story has become viral on the internet, we return with information on the obligations of cyclists circulating on public roads.

Thus, in the Road Code we have the following articles regarding bicyclists:

Art.70. - (2) In order to drive a bicycle on public roads, the driver must be at least 14 years old.

Bicycles and mopeds circulating on public roads must be equipped with lighting and reflective materials. It is forbidden to circulate them at night without these means and devices in operation.

Art. 74. - (1) The circulation of bicycles and mopeds, as well as of vehicles which, by construction or for other reasons, cannot exceed the speed of 50 km / h, is prohibited on motorways.

Contraventions and penalties (6 to 8 points of fine) for non-compliance with the rules on bicycle and moped circulation are sanctioned with the fine in the third class of sanctions.

In the Regulation for the Application of the Road Code we have somewhat more clearly defined the responsibilities of the cyclists:

Art. 14. - In circulation on public roads, the bicycle shall be:

(a) fitted with an effective braking device;

(b) fitted with a suitable, functional steering system;

c) equipped with a sound warning system; it is forbidden to equip and use the vehicle sound warning systems;

(d) equipped with white or yellow light in front, and in the rear with red light and at least one visible, reflective, the reflective device of the same color;

e) equipped with elements or devices which, in motion, form a continuous, fluorescent, reflective orange circle fixed to the spokes of the wheels.

Article 15. - The trailer attached to a bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflecting device at the rear and if the rear light of the bicycle is obstructed by the trailer, it shall also be equipped with a light red color.

Art. 100. - Vehicles must be driven only on the roads, carriageways, bands or tracks established for the category to which they belong. If there are no bands or tracks for mopeds, bikes and other non-motorized vehicles on public roads, they can also be driven in the direction of walking, if the traffic can be done without danger.

Article 141 (6) Tractors, trailers, mopeds, bikes, machines and self-propelled machinery used in construction, agricultural or forestry work shall not be allowed to stand on the carriageway during nighttime of vehicles with animal traction or those drawn or pushed by hand.

Article 142. - Voluntary stopping of vehicles is prohibited:

(k) on pedestrian, and/or bicycle paths, or on bands reserved for certain categories of vehicles, signposted as such;

o) on bike tracks;

Art. 160. - (1) Bicycles and mopeds, when traveling on the public road, must be run in only one row.

(3) If, in the direction of travel, there is a bicycle track marked as such, the drivers of the vehicles referred to in par. (1) are only required to run on this track. The traffic of other road users to the bicycle track is prohibited.

(4) It is recommended that the cyclist in the public road traffic wear the approved helmet.

Art. 161. - (1) Bicycle or moped drivers are prohibited:

a) to travel on marked road sections with the indicator "Bicycle access";

b) learn to drive bicycles or mopeds on high-traffic roads;

c) to walk on the sidewalks unless they are equipped with special tracks for them;

d) to move without holding at least one hand on the handlebars and both feet on the pedals;

e) run in parallel, except when attending organized sports competitions;

f) to circulate while under the influence of alcohol, narcotic products or drugs or medicinal products with similar effects;

(g) to hold on to a vehicle in running order or to be towed by another vehicle or pushed or pulled by a person in a vehicle;

h) to transport another person except for the child up to 7 years only if the vehicle is fitted with special support and when the vehicle is built and/or equipped specifically for the transport of other persons;

i) to travel on the roadside in the same direction of travel if there is a lateral path, a trail or a practicable marshmallow that can be used;

(j) to transport or to shoot any objects which, by their volume or weight, impede or endanger the driving of the vehicle or the movement of other road users;

k) to run on alleys in public parks or gardens, except when they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic;

l) to circulate at night or when the visibility is reduced, without fulfilling the conditions stipulated in art. 14 and 16;

m) to travel when the carriageway is covered with ice, ice or snow.

(n) to operate with technical failures on braking systems or on a vehicle which is not equipped with a buzzer;

o) to cross public roads on pedestrian crossings while traveling on a bicycle or moped;

(p) to run on lanes other than the one near the curb, except before the intersection must fit properly to make the left turn;

r) to move without wearing fluorescent - reflective clothing, from leaving the evening until dawn or when visibility is reduced;

s) drive the vehicle without keeping the wheels in contact with the ground.

When you can travel or stand on the emergency lane. What the police say

"To begin with, let's take a look at the Road Code! It is forbidden to drive, stop or stand on vehicles in the emergency lane, except in justified cases, as well as on vehicles with priority traffic. with a priority regime that moves to interventions or is on an emergency, the mission is minimal, remains the question: what does the justifiable case mean?

The following is the case: Summer, cold, cars go to the bar at low speed or there is a road event that has generated car columns waiting for the resumption of traffic, and a driver is rushing to get an accommodation reservation and uses the expedite. It's an emergency? The answer is simple, NO.

"Another driver waiting in the column wants to get more out of the way, so he thinks to shoot right, on the emergency gang, anyway the traffic does not move. He is allowed? The law says NO. Let's try another situation: a driver running on the highway has a technical malfunction on the car. Can he stop or cannot stop on the emergency lane? Yes, perhaps, to solve the technical problem," the Romanian Police reported on the official Facebook page.

Police driver recommendations

"If you are in the latter situation, we recommend that you turn on the hazard warning lights, have a reflective jacket, remove the passengers from the car outside the carriageway and place the reflective triangles one after the other at a distance big.

We have the following situation: a driver or passenger in a car in the middle of a column or involved in a motorway road event needs help from the rescue and the police. In such situations, every moment counts, and a few moments lost or gained in traffic by those who have to intervene can make a difference for those in need of help.

Give them a chance! Leave the emergency band off! We all go back to see again and again, but let's not forget a word that passed the test of time: "slow feast"! The sanction for unjustified stoppages or highway traffic on highways: 4 or 5 points - fine, ie between 580 and 725 lei + 3 penalty points.

But not just the fine is the problem, but the risks that arise when the emergency band is used unjustifiably. Let's look at the "urgency" from the point of view of usefulness for people in need of help and not as a concept that applies to personal needs!