"Daylight hours are shortening – risks are increasing!" The objective of the event is to promote the use of retroreflective elements and high-visibility vests by pedestrians, cyclists, and cart drivers.
According to statistics, the number of road traffic accidents involving pedestrians increases precisely in autumn and winter. This is primarily due to the reduction in daylight hours and deteriorating weather conditions. People dress in dark-coloured clothing and become practically invisible to drivers in twilight, fog, rain, and at night.
When moving in the dark, pedestrians and cyclists become visible to motorists at a distance of 25-30 metres at best. Retroreflective elements allow road users to "shine" in the low beam of headlights at a distance of 130-140 metres, and when moving in the high beam, the distance increases to 400 metres.
It is important to attach retroreflectors correctly – they should be clearly visible to drivers, not hidden by a bag or clothing folds. The optimal option is to use armbands and bracelets attached to the arms and legs of a pedestrian on the side facing the roadway.
We remind you that when cycling or driving a horse-drawn vehicle on the road during dark hours and/or in conditions of insufficient visibility, a lamp emitting white light must be switched on at the front, and a lamp emitting red light at the rear. Additionally, cyclists and cart drivers are advised to wear high-visibility vests. In turn, drivers should exercise increased caution when passing through pedestrian crossings and driving on roads near populated areas.