Marl distributes reflective safety vests to incoming schoolchildren

The city of Marl handed out neon‑yellow, retro‑reflective safety vests to 976 children who will start school after the summer holidays. The distribution, part of the 19th "Safety needs brains" campaign, was carried out by mayor Thomas Terhorst, traffic planner Christoph Bursy, kindergarten director Katrin Schröer and DEKRA regional manager Torben Krumme.

Mayor Terhorst explained that the vests make children visible in low‑light conditions: "During the dark season, when it is still dawn on the way to school, the safety collars ensure the girls and boys are seen by other road users in time." DEKRA’s Krumme added that the company has been promoting road safety for over a hundred years and that the campaign targets the most vulnerable road users.

City statistics show that child road accidents rose in 2025, with 33 children involved and nine of those incidents occurring on school routes. Marl will continue to improve traffic safety and advises parents to equip children’s clothing, shoes and backpacks with high‑visibility or reflective elements.