Good visibility through the dark season
Safe on the road: tips for better visibility in traffic
In winter, it gets dark earlier, rain and fog make visibility more difficult and wet leaves make roads slippery. This increases the risk of getting into dangerous situations, especially for children who are out and about on foot, on a scooter or on a bike. With a few simple measures, you can ensure that your family gets through the dark season more safely. We have put together the most important tips for you.
Visibility is the be-all and end-all
Being seen well by other road users is particularly important in winter - especially because the weather and road conditions can significantly increase the braking distances of cars.
These are the measures you can take:
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Light-colored clothing
With bright clothing, you and your child will be noticed much earlier by other road users. The colors white, yellow and light green are particularly easy to spot. To avoid having to change your entire wardrobe, high-visibility vests worn over clothing are an inexpensive and effective immediate measure.
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Reflectors
Reflective elements on clothing or reflective tags on rucksacks, hats and shoes significantly increase visibility in the dark. Reflective bands on arms and legs are particularly effective as they make movement visible.
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School bags with reflectors
As the school bag can conceal light-colored clothing and other safety measures, it should itself be sufficiently equipped with reflective elements.
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Flashing lights
Small, flashing LED lights on the rucksack or clothing ensure that your child is easily recognized from a greater distance - even if they are not in the direct light cone of a vehicle.
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Bicycle lighting
Make sure that the prescribed reflectors are fitted to the bike. Check regularly that the bicycle lights are working and are sufficiently bright. We particularly recommend parking lights that continue to light up even when you stop, for example at red lights.
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Taking a detour
It may be safer to take a different route to nursery or school in the darker months, even if this means taking a slight detour. Discuss with your child where there are clearly visible, well-lit paths and crossings and where special care should be taken.
Why is it so important to wear bright clothing?
In fact, the color of clothing can make a huge difference, especially in dangerous situations:
- People in dark clothing are only visible from a distance of 25 meters in the dark.
- With light clothing, road users can already be seen from a distance of 40 m.
- With reflective clothing, visibility increases to 140 m.
The braking distance of a car at 50 km/h, including the reaction time, is around 40 m. This is too long to stop in time if a person in dark clothing crosses the road unexpectedly.
Source: ADAC Foundation
More vigilance is required in winter
Talk to your child about how the particular visibility and weather conditions affect road traffic and other road users:
- Be even more attentive in winter: Rain, fog and early darkness make roads dangerous. It helps to stay alert and take your time.
- Choose safe crossings: It is more difficult to judge speeds at dusk and at night. Traffic lights and crosswalks make crossing roads safer.
- Slower reaction time: Explain that children are particularly difficult to see in the dark because they are smaller and that drivers are therefore often unable to react as quickly in an emergency.
- Longer braking distances: Cold, wet and leaves make the roads slippery - this increases the braking distances of cars and bicycles. Therefore, don't set off until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
- Visibility: The best protection is to wear reflectors and flashing lights so that other road users can see your child clearly. The more conspicuous, the safer.
What can I contribute as a road user myself?
You can not only ensure that your children get from A to B safely. Your own behavior also makes a significant contribution to the safety of all road users. If you follow these tips, you can actively help:
- Switch on your lights: Switch on your dipped headlights in good time when driving.
- Ensure clear visibility: Make sure that your windows and mirrors are not fogged up and that your front and rear lights remain clean.
- Reduce your speed: Adjust your speed to the road and visibility conditions.
- Be particularly careful in sensitive areas: Slow down and pay particular attention when driving near daycare centers, schools and bus stops.
- Drive with foresight: As you can only see other road users in dark clothing late, it is important to keep a sufficient distance and be ready to brake at all times.
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