How much does it have to say if you use reflex - or drop it?
If you are in doubt about that, take a look at the video clip at the top of this article. There you see exactly how big the difference is - for someone sitting behind the wheel of a car.
Without revealing too much: There is probably a reason to believe that many people choose to use reflex after seeing this!
The reflex is the simplest and most affordable lifeguard we have. Nevertheless, a survey shows the insurance company If it has previously performed that half of us do not use reflex. And probably it's high darkness - literally.
Worst in the cities
Statistics from Statistics Norway (Statistics Norway) show that 20 people were killed as either walking, cycling or riding on Norwegian roads in 2018, and a total of 141 were seriously injured. There is no record of how many of these used reflex. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that more widespread use of reflexes could have a positive effect on statistics - especially in urban areas.
"People in the cities are the worst at using reflex - we know this through a previous study. Street lights provide false security, as this film shows, the pedestrian along the roadside is almost impossible to spot. Therefore, there is no need to slosh with reflex use even if you live in more urban areas," says Andreas Handeland, communications advisor in If.
Visible at 250-300 meters distance
In the cities, only 40 percent of respondents in the survey responded that they use reflexes. In the countryside, however, 58 percent said the same. We at If think the numbers are far from satisfactory, and encourage anyone who is going out and traveling in the dark to take reflex use seriously.
"One life lost in traffic is one too many! We cannot say enough times how important it is for everyone to use reflex. With reflex, you are visible to the driver at a distance of 150-200 meters, and even further away with high beam, while you are not visible until the car is 20-30 meters away without reflex. These seconds can be crucial," says Handeland.
This is the biggest loss of winter
A small reflective material can be the difference between life and death. Without this, it can be very difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians when it is dark.
A small reflex can be the difference between life and death. Without this, it can be very difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians when it is dark.
Should be placed low
The position of the reflex also has a big impact on how visible one becomes in the traffic picture.
"A reflective vest with reflective tape naturally makes you far more visible than a piece or band. But using something is better than nothing, and location becomes extra important. For example, a reflective tape is far more visible to a driver if it is attached around the calf than to the upper arm, because the lights on cars are angled to the ground," Handeland points out.
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