200 meters to rescue: why flicker on clothes is a matter of life and death on the roads of Pskov

With the arrival of autumn twilight and rains, the statistics of road accidents involving pedestrians in the Pskov region, unfortunately, begins to grow. In conditions of poor visibility, drivers have a minimum of time to react. The only real way to increase this time and save life is to use retroreflective elements.

The principle of the flicker is simple, but incredibly effective. The light of car headlights, falling on the ribbed surface of special plastic, is concentrated and reflected back in the form of a narrow, bright beam. If the driver notices a person in dark clothes only 20-30 meters (when it is too late to brake), then the presence of even a small reflector makes the pedestrian or cyclist visible at a distance of up to 200 meters with the near light of the headlights.

There is a myth that flickers are needed only for children and the elderly. In fact, according to the rules of the road, pedestrians are required to designate themselves as retroreflective elements when driving along the roadsides or edges of the carriageway outside settlements in the dark. However, experts strongly recommend wearing them constantly, including in the city.

The best option for maximum visibility is four reflectors: on the hands, on the belt and on the backpack. The most effective elements are white or bright yellow (lemon) color.

Do not forget about cyclists: for night trips, the presence of an LED catafon on the vehicle and reflectors on clothes is a prerequisite for safety.

Security experts emphasize: you can not rely only on “fenechki” and key fobs. They are an important addition, but not a panacea. The best prevention of child injuries on the road is the personal example of adults. If the parent himself crosses the road in the wrong place or ignores the rules, no persuasion to wear a flicker will make the child be careful.

"MK in Pskov" urges residents of the region to check the presence of reflective elements on outerwear and backpacks of their children today. This little thing can really save a life.