See and be seen in road traffic
A new campaign by the BFU aims to show pedestrians and cyclists how important reflective clothing and lights are in the dark.
Anyone traveling on foot or by bicycle at night in the dark is hardly noticed by motorists. The risk of an accident is three times higher than when it is light out. If rain, snow and backlighting are added to the mix, the risk of an accident increases tenfold. The BFU accident prevention center warns against this.
Every second accident could be avoided if the driver had just one second more reaction time. Bright clothing, reflective material and light are therefore indispensable. Reflective material in particular significantly increases visibility: road users can be seen at a distance of over 140 meters. The annual campaign "SEE YOU - make yourself visible" of the working group "Safety through Visibility" sensitizes road users to the special dangers in poor weather and visibility conditions and gives tips for the right behavior.
Caution when crossing
For pedestrians, crossing roads is the greatest danger. Here, good visibility together with cautious behavior is required. With bright or reflective clothing or with reflective accessories (luminous tape, cap, sole flash, etc.) pedestrians and joggers draw attention to themselves in good time. Before entering the street, pause briefly and make sure that it is safe to cross the street - even at the pedestrian crossing.
Bike light
For cyclists, good visibility is just as important. Here, too, appropriate clothing and reflective accessories (luminous vest, luminous tape, spoke reflectors, etc.) can help. A light that works at the front and back is indispensable - preferably one that also shines on a stationary bicycle. Particularly dangerous for cyclists is the "blind spot", the area to the side of the vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver. Two-wheelers should never stop at red lights and stop roads next to cars and trucks, but always behind them - and with their bicycle lights on. This is the only way they can be seen.
Day of light
The national Day of Light on November 12 marks the start and focus of the campaign. In several cities, the police are organizing activities in public spaces together with the partners involved. The campaign is explicitly aimed at all road users. Only if everyone makes themselves visible and behaves correctly can the number of accidents be reduced. Accordingly, the campaign provides tips for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle drivers. The various target groups are also addressed with posters, flyers, reflective material, via the Internet and the media. On the website, for example, there is an entertaining browser game that allows users to test their own reaction times.
SEE YOU - make yourself visible" campaign: www.seeyou-info.ch
