Pedestrian’s reflector

2011
A pedestrian can enhance his/her visibility by using a reflector. A driver using high beam lights can see a pedestrian who does not have a reflector from a distance of approximately 100 metres, depending on the clothing. A reflector user is seen already 300 metres away. A driver using low beam lights can see the pedestrian without a reflector from only a distance of 40 metres - while a reflector-using pedestrian is visible from 150 metres.

Law on reflector use
 
According to Road traffic law 42§, a pedestrian must, under normal circumstances, use an appropriate reflector while moving on the road during dark.
 
Contradictory to the law, in urban areas only every third pedestrian uses a reflector; outside urban areas two out of three pedestrians use a reflector.

What is an appropriate reflector

The appropriateness of any given reflector can be determined using existing standards. Also pedestrian reflectors are classified in accordance to the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment Directive. The safety products on the market must meet the requirements of the standards as well as be CE approved.   
 
An appropriate reflector features at least the following information:

-    CE
-    EN 13356, reflector (EU standard)
-    the name of the institution that per-
      formed the type classification (e.g.
      Finnish  Institute of Occupational
     Health = FIOH)

Reflector use in urban areas

The use of reflector is important also in urban areas. Rain and fog reduce driver’s ability to see, especially during dark. The car’s windows may be fogged up when the driving commences. Also, dirty windshield or headlights have an adverse effect on visibility. Street lights and advertisement lights, as well as shadows of trees and bushes, may make it more difficult to see pedestrians or cyclists crossing the street.          

Reflector vest

Reflector vest can be used to improve visibility during dark and also in the daylight. The vest utilises fluorescent material which shines bright under the ultraviolet rays of the sun; in addition, the vest features reflecting material that bounces back the approaching vehicle’s light beams. 

Reflector vests must be CE approved. Standard designation EN 1150 signi-


fies a reflector vest that is meant for non-professional use.

EN 471 signifies a professional-use reflector vest.

Reflectors complement
each other

Different reflector models are not competitors, but instead complement each other. A pedestrian or a cyclist is never too visible in dark conditions. Everyone can improve reflector outfitting by using e.g. bags which feature reflector stripes or some other type of reflecting material.

Bicycle helmet

Drunk driving

Pedestrian's reflector


Green info sheets
Yellow info sheets
Brown info sheets


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