From 19 to 24 November 2019, the large-scale information campaign "Time to Become Visible!" is being held.

In January-October 2019, 2,750 road traffic accidents with casualties occurred within the republic, resulting in 395 fatalities and 2,939 injuries. Of these, 870 accidents occurred during dark hours, causing 202 fatalities and 823 injuries.

Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, cart drivers) accounted for 68.3% (138) of the total fatalities in road traffic accidents during dark hours.

To minimise negative trends in road safety and enhance the effectiveness of internal affairs bodies in addressing the causes and conditions of road traffic injuries during dark hours, a large-scale information campaign "Time to Be Visible!" is being conducted from 19 to 24 November 2019. The campaign promotes the use of retroreflective products to improve the safety of all road users.

In darkness, the risk of being hit by a vehicle increases ninefold compared to daylight hours. Therefore, it is essential to make pedestrians as visible as possible. Passive safety devices made of retroreflective elements (pendants, armbands, vests, etc.) help citizens avoid accidents. It is important that these are not obscured by folds of clothing, bags, or umbrellas. However, the use of reflectors does not grant the right to violate traffic rules or to step onto the roadway without justification!

According to clause 200 of the Traffic Regulations, a bicycle must have a functioning braking system, steering, and audible signal. It must be equipped with a rear-view mirror, a white reflector at the front, a red reflector (reflectors) at the rear, and orange reflectors on each side. Furthermore, according to the Traffic Regulations, when riding a bicycle on a road during dark hours or when visibility is insufficient, the following must be switched on: a headlight (lamp) emitting white light at the front, and a lamp emitting red light at the rear.

Furthermore, the traffic

“Dark” horse-drawn transport on the roadway is extremely dangerous, and when cars pass each other, it is almost impossible to avoid hitting a cart. When driving in the dark, a driver only sees the part of the road illuminated by the car's headlights, and the perception of light contrasts deteriorates. Even in early twilight, objects clearly visible during the day fade, and after sunset, they become barely discernible. If fog or drizzling rain is added to this, the indistinct figure of a person on a cart merges with the darkness. Therefore, the carter must be visible on the road and must use reflective bands in the dark, but the best option is a reflective vest.

Clause 159 of the Traffic Regulations states: "When driving on the road at night and (or) in conditions of insufficient visibility, a lamp emitting white light must be switched on at the front of the horse-drawn vehicle, and a lamp emitting red light at the rear." Unfortunately, not all cart owners attach due importance to this requirement. And behind this are human lives and broken destinies.

A pedestrian, a person operating a bicycle, a horse-drawn vehicle, or participating in traffic without operating a vehicle, who has committed a traffic violation, shall be subject to an administrative penalty in the form of a warning or a fine of up to three base amounts, and in case of the pedestrian being in a state of alcoholic intoxication, or refusal to undergo verification (examination) in the established manner – up to five base amounts.