In the evening hours in many towns and villages the lights will go out soon. Due to the impending energy crisis, some Swiss municipalities have decided to reduce or even turn off street lighting at night.
Such measures are dangerous for road traffic. As it is known, November and December are among the most accident-prone months of the year. The risk of an accident at night is three times higher than during the day. If there is rain, snow, or dazzling backlight at this time of year, the risk increases tenfold.
If street lights remain dark at dusk and at night, the risk of pedestrians and cyclists being overlooked by drivers increases even more. That’s why TCS is launching an information campaign today – the day of enlightenment – on how road users can make themselves visible despite the dark.
Reflective materials increase visibility
It starts with pedestrians with clothes and accessories. Passers-by wearing light-colored clothing are seen by car drivers at night from an average distance of 40 meters. On the other hand, pedestrians in dark clothes are only 25 meters away – potentially significant meters. However, even 40 meters is not enough for a car to stop and brake at 50 km/h. For this reason, TCS recommends that pedestrians and cyclists wear reflective equipment in addition to light-coloured clothing. Whether through reflective materials already incorporated into clothing, fluorescent vests or additional reflective tapes that can be easily attached to clothing or accessories such as backpacks or bags.
Appears at least 100 meters ago
The effect of the reflective tape is amazing. Tests show that people walking in the dark wearing clothes that reflect the headlights can be seen by drivers from a distance of 140 meters. Various original DIY ideas such as reflective hats, gloves, socks, dog collars and much more can be found on madevisible.swiss. They help significantly improve safety for pedestrians, runners, walkers and cyclists at night. Even with the streetlights turned off.