Crossing over to winter time by several countries this year on the night of October 29 to October 30 may have unexpected effects. According to the Belgian Road Safety Institute (IBSR), the number of pedestrian-related accidents increases by 63% during this period.
As winter passes, it darkens earlier and the visibility of the drivers is reduced. "The transition to winter time is the beginning of a period of risk. From October to November, the number of accidents involving pedestrians increases by 28% during peak hours," says IBSR. Therefore, this authority requires pedestrians and first of all drivers to be very careful.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to use signals to make them visible from afar - fluorescent vest or reflective strips. Also, dark clothing should be avoided. With reflective clothing, pedestrians and cyclists are visible up to 150 meters, while dark-colored clothing is barely visible from 20 meters, explains IBSR.
In turn, drivers wear safety vest have to double their attention and ensure that the vehicle is functioning properly. Functional headlamps, clean windscreen and functional windscreen wipers are essential to ensure the safety of everyone.
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