Pedestrian safety: Police and ITS warn on reflector quality

The Polish Police and the Institute of Automotive Transport (ITS) are issuing warnings regarding pedestrian visibility during the autumn and winter months. As darkness falls earlier and weather conditions like fog and rain worsen, the importance of using effective reflective elements increases.

Experts note that a pedestrian in dark clothing may only be visible to a driver at a distance of 30 to 40 meters. In contrast, using proper reflectors can increase this visibility to between 130 and 150 meters, providing drivers with critical time to react or slow down.

Authorities caution that many colorful accessories, such as keychains or promotional bands, may look reflective but fail to meet safety standards. To ensure effectiveness, consumers should look for the CE mark, compliance with the PN-EN 17353 standard, the manufacturer's name, and clear instructions in Polish. Reflectors must also be worn correctly, ensuring they are not covered by clothing and are positioned to face oncoming vehicle headlights.