Road Safety has been reminded of the importance of being visible just before the time change on public highways on Wednesday, October 26, with accidents peaking each year on the weekend following its implementation.
“Road Safety reminds pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users of the importance of making themselves visible and invites drivers to be extra vigilant towards these vulnerable users.”, it is said in the message of the organization. France will switch to winter time overnight from Saturday to Sunday, so it will be dark earlier. According to ONISR data collected in 2015-2019, the number of accidents involving pedestrians regularly increases by 42% in November compared to October.
“Other users are visible in car headlights from only 20 meters away when they are dressed in black. However, at 50 km/h the car needs at least 25 meters to stop on dry ground (38 meters on wet ground). With reflective accessories, they are visible from 150 meters.”, hit Road Safety. Thus, the organization encourages vulnerable users “Wear light-colored clothing and choose reflective equipment (vest, armband, gloves, straps on backpacks, school bags, etc.).”
Vulnerable two wheelers
According to a study by the Association Assurance Prévention, 82% of French people worry about their safety when visibility decreases; at night, dusk or fog. Cyclists most often feel vulnerable when visibility is reduced (90%), followed by motorized two-wheelers (85%) and users of electric scooters and other motorized personal transport devices (EPDM, 82%).
If good reflexes are known. 70% of the respondents think to accept them on the public highway, then they are not applied systematically. only 73% of pedestrians systematically take sidewalks when visibility is low, and 29% wear light-colored clothing. Half of cyclists do not systematically wear reflective gear. 38% of electric scooter users do not always turn on their lights.
*The study was conducted online on October 6 and 11, 2022 by Harris Interactive by the Association Assurance Prévention, with a sample of 2,039 French people aged 18 and over.
Source: Le Figaro
