Running Safety and Visibility 2018
Be Safe - Be Seen!
Updated September 11th 2018
Car Speed | Conditions | Reaction Distance | Braking Distance | Total | Black Visible at 15m | Dark Visible at 30m | Yellow Visible at 50m | White Visible at 75m | Hi- Viz Visible at 150m |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 kph | Dry | 17m+ | 9m | 26m | Seen | Seen | Seen | Seen | |
40 kph | Wet | 17m+ | 13m | 30m | Seen | Seen | Seen | ||
50 kph | Dry | 21m+ | 14m | 35m | Seen | Seen | Seen | ||
50 kph | Wet | 21m+ | 20m | 41m | Seen | Seen | Seen | ||
60 kph | Dry | 25m+ | 20m | 45m | Seen | Seen | Seen | ||
60 kph | Wet | 25m+ | 29m | 54m | Seen | Seen | |||
70 kph | Dry | 29m+ | 27m | 56m | Seen | Seen | |||
70 kph | Wet | 29m+ | 40m | 69m | Seen | Seen | |||
80 kph | Dry | 33m+ | 36m | 69m | Seen | Seen | |||
80 kph | Wet | 33m+ | 52m | 85m | Seen | ||||
90 kph | Dry | 38m+ | 45m | 83m | Seen | ||||
90 kph | Wet | 38m+ | 65m | 103m | Seen | ||||
100 kph | Dry | 42m+ | 56m | 98m | Seen | ||||
100 kph | Wet | 42m+ | 80m | 122m | Seen | ||||
110 kph | Dry | 46m+ | 67m | 113m | Seen | ||||
110 kph | Wet | 46m+ | 97m | 143m | Seen |
Even if you're Dead Right - There's no point in ending up Just as Dead as if you were Wrong!
The above infographic and table vividly demonstrate the value of wearing Hi-Viz clothing when running or walking in dark and low-light condtions.
Remember! These are best case conditions - If a driver is impaired by drink or drugs, or on their mobile phone, the quoted stopping distances may be increased very significantly.
Many people, wrongly, think that Yellow or White tops are adequate for them to be seen. Clearly Hi-Viz, which can be seen at 150m, is the safest option.....BUT even then, every runner needs to take responsibility for their own safety....Be Ready for the Unexpected!
As for anyone wearing dark clothing, even in lit, built up areas, at night ....get a Hi-Viz! It's a No-Brainer!
- More than two-thirds of fatal pedestrian collisions happen at night. Although you can hear a car coming and see its lights, the driver may not see you (and certainly won’t hear you).
- Be seen. Wear high-visibility, brightly colored clothing. When out near or after sunset, reflective materials are a must. (If you don't own reflective clothing, a lightweight reflective vest is a great option.
- Use a headlamp or handheld light so you can see where you're going, and drivers can see you. The light should have a bright LED (drivers see blinking red as a hazard).
- Don't assume a driver sees you. In fact, imagine that a driver can't, and behave accordingly. Think that you're invisible.
- Face traffic. It’s easier to see, and react to, and evade, oncoming cars. Drivers will see you more clearly too. It's also easier to see (and react to) any mistake an advancing motorist may make.
- Make room. If traffic gets heavy, or the road narrows, be prepared to move onto the footpath or shoulder of the road.
- Unplug your ears. If you insist on using iPods or wearing headphones—you need to be able to hear approaching vehicles, run with the volume low and just one earbud in.
- Beware of high-risk drivers. Steer clear of potential problem areas like entrances to garages, carparks, bars, and restaurants, where there may be heavy traffic.
- Watch for early birds and night owls who have not cleared frost or morning dew off their windshields; they may not be able to see you. At odd hours be extra careful. Early in the morning and very late at night, people may be overtired and not as attentive.
- Mind your manners. At a stop sign or light, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge with your own polite wave. That acknowledgement will make the driver feel more inclined to do it again for the next walker or runner. Use hand signals (as you would on a bicycle) to show which way you plan to turn.
- Never cross at a bend
- If possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights
- Always carry some form of identification, also include information on allergies, blood group, medical fund and contact number for next of kin.
- Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your regular running routes.
- DON'T assume, just because you have right of way, that the driver/biker/cyclist has seen you. They may be distracted by mobile phones, are on drugs/drink, running the red lights, or whatever. Be alert at all time! YOU are responsible for YOUR OWN safety!
The RSA supply Hi-Viz Running vests, along with lots of other Hi-Viz items FREE OF Charge.
No excuses! Get yours NOW!
For large orders, from the likes of clubs, you may need to make special arrangements with the RSA
If you don't want to wait for delivery, just get down to your local bike or sports store, even toy shops sell them! Of course you will have to pay for them...but it could well be the best money you've ever spent!
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