Knowledge of the rules of conduct on the road, the attentiveness of the pedestrian himself are not always a guarantee of safety. Often accidents happen because of drivers, but not because only inappropriate drunk people are sitting behind the wheel, who got their rights for money. Sometimes it is simply impossible to make out a pedestrian in the dark on an unlit section of the road. That is why the use of retroreflective elements for pedestrians is a very important condition if they want to protect themselves.
Sad statistics
As the data provided by the traffic police inspectors show, every second accident is precisely a pedestrian run over. And if during the daytime accidents rarely have deplorable consequences, then at night the situation sharply worsens. What is the reason? The limited view of the road, inadequate pedestrian behavior, the lack of compliance with elementary rules on the road, which all road users must adhere to. Every year, several thousand people die on the roads, and the total number of accidents involving pedestrians amounts to tens of thousands. Nobody says that the use of retroreflective elements would be a guarantee of protection against an accident, but according to the same statistics, all of them increase the chance of a pedestrian to be noticed six times.
Who is at risk?
Considering that in the winter season, deep twilight occurs at 16-17 hours, the probability of staying out of the driver's field of vision while driving or maneuvering arises not only among idle revelers who did not get home on time. Children returning from school, elective classes, art studios - this is the most vulnerable part of the population. Their carelessness coupled with darkness is a big risk.
In addition, according to reports of police officers, pensioners also fall into the category of pedestrians at risk. With age, both hearing and vision, and vision, vitality and mobility are not the same as in youth, and therefore it is so important to worry and protect yourself. It is very simple to do this by attaching retroreflective elements to a clothing or bag.
What are reflectors, how do they work?
There are many different devices that can reflect light. Initially, these were reflectors - plates that were mounted on cars, bicycles and other vehicles. These are the same figures of yellow, red, orange or white. Retroreflective elements for pedestrians work on the same principle. They are able to reflect a ray of light in the dark without absorbing it. A variety of materials can be used, most often it is a textile or synthetic base on which polyvinyl chloride is applied. Reflectors also make them as separate objects - as a part of clothes, bags, where a tape or applique is a fixed element and sewn directly on them.
Where can one buy?
So it turns out that you can buy ready-made clothes or individual items with retroreflective elements that are mounted on themselves or used as decoration. Such accessories can be found not only in specialized stores for athletes or tourists, but also in the departments of children's goods, toys, and in office supply stores. But in the departments where the sewing accessories are sold, they realize thermal applications and a special tape. With their help, it is easy to make retroreflective elements for pedestrians yourself.
Clothing with reflectors for adults
Few people pay attention to such items when buying clothes. But in vain, because mostly people prefer to buy and wear clothes of dark colors (black, blue, brown), and it is these colors that most merge with the environment. Gray and cloudy winter days, darkness and a person without identification marks are the most favorable factors that contribute to all kinds of emergency situations.
It is worth noting that in sportswear, manufacturers, at their discretion, insert edging, stripes, patterns that make it possible not to use additional retroreflective elements. For pedestrians and cyclists, this is an additional advantage, because there is no need to constantly remove them and worry if there is a reflector with you.
Child safety is the most important thing!
Fortunately, children tend to pay more attention. That is why many clothes and special accessories have been created for them, which children will wear with joy and pleasure. Of course, this is not all clothes, so parents should pay attention to this issue, review the child’s wardrobe, and if the use of retroreflective elements is not provided for by the manufacturer, it is important to take care of this yourself. Fortunately, there are models for various brooches, stickers, stripes for every taste, their price is very low, and fastening them is easy and simple. It will not be difficult to persuade a child to wear an accessory, because a bright design and a wide color palette will surely appeal to him.
Perhaps it will carry?..
It is extremely unreasonable to hope for a happy combination of circumstances in the matter of our own security. Each person is responsible for himself and his actions. By the way, in our country back in 2006, they legally approved the use of retroreflective elements (including pedestrians). This norm is only advisory in nature, but its presence in the general set of rules shows how much the authorities are concerned about the frequent cases of accidents in which people suffer (and sometimes die).
The inspectors have plans to change the nature of this rule so that it becomes mandatory for all categories of citizens.
And what about other countries?
In order not to go far, we’ll clarify that in Belarus, with which Russia borders, it is approved: retroreflective elements for pedestrians are an indispensable accessory that is not subject to reservations and disputes. In Europe, the situation is even stricter, because in the case when the traffic inspector notes that there is no reflector on the clothes, this threatens a very serious fine. Perhaps this is why in Western countries people are more disciplined, because what is easier: to put on a reflective bracelet for yourself and a vest for a child or to pay 300 euros of a fine? So in Russia, perhaps, you need to introduce the whip method, maybe then there will be a result.
What are reflective elements?
If everyone agrees with the need for their application, then you should understand the types and methods of use. The most affordable options that do not require any additional actions besides the purchase itself are key chains, pendants, brooches and bracelets. Their advantages are low cost, bright design, high variety of models. They can be made of different materials, have all kinds of sizes and shapes. The downside of such removable reflectors is that they are easy to lose, forget about scrap or at school (at work).
Thermal reflectors, tape, buttons, stickers - these are all options that a person needs to independently fix on clothes, a bag, a bicycle, a stroller or a sled. Thermal stickers are perhaps the best option. Why? Here are three undeniable advantages:
- ease of use;
- durability;
- wide selection.
Thermal stickers containing retroreflective elements (for pedestrians exactly what you need) can be glued to any fabric. It can be cotton, linen, synthetic surfaces. It is not a problem to attach it both to everyday jeans and to outerwear - a jacket, raincoat, windbreaker. Numerous motifs (sports emblems, flowers, cartoon characters) will help not only protect yourself, but also make an original decoration.
Is it possible to do such protection with your own hands?
As already mentioned a little above, you can personally make out clothes and a bag, as well as a vehicle with the help of thermal decals. But lovers of needlework and original things can easily make a beautiful thing, pendant or brooch. To do this, you just need to use objects and parts that have reflective properties. It can be buttons, braid and even ready-made reflectors: having beaten them a bit, it is quite possible for any person to create retroreflective elements for pedestrians with their own hands.
Another great opportunity to show your talents will be weaving bracelets from paracord. This is such a cord, which is usually used by climbers and the military for their equipment. There is a paracord that is treated with a special luminescent substance. Throughout the day, it accumulates sunlight, and in the dark gives off it, emitting soft even light.
The vest is the most striking tool for attracting attention
I would like to highlight these retroreflective elements for pedestrians. The photo of the vest clearly demonstrates how bright and catchy it is. Ribbons sewn on the front and rear will help the driver to see a person even from a very long distance (with the headlights on, this is at least 100-150 meters).
The lightness and compactness of the vest when folded makes it possible to always have it with you. After all, he will not take up much space either in a handbag or in a children's portfolio. In special stores you can always buy a variety of sizes, from small ones that will fit even a child of elementary grades, and ending with vests for adult men in the prime of life.
Important!
Another novelty that has appeared on the market, offering retroreflective elements for children, there are special belts. The tape with reflective paint is sewn onto the belt braid, it snaps into place with plastic carabiners. This design allows you to quickly and easily remove the belt and put it on when the child goes outside.
