From March 18, 2018, new changes to the traffic rules came into force, obliging the driver to wear a reflective vest when leaving the car at night. It would seem a simple rule, but it raised a lot of questions.
Let's start with the fact that this innovation does not yet provide for monetary penalties. Inspectors can only verbally inform drivers about the necessary safety measures on the road. While pedestrians have long been required to wear reflective clothing at night. And if at the same time they move along the side of the road, then they must wear a reflective vest or cape. At the same time, on a suburban highway, non-observance of such a rule threatens the pedestrian with an administrative fine of 500 rubles.
It is also necessary to put on vests for drivers and passengers getting out of the car on the road in the evening on suburban roads. According to statistics, every third accident on the road occurs precisely at night. Moreover, a large percentage of collisions with pedestrians and vehicles standing on the side of the road.
A person in a vest with reflective elements can be seen in the light of the near headlights of a car from a distance of 150-200 meters, and at a distance - up to 350 meters. This distance is sufficient for the driver of a moving vehicle to make a quick decision for a safe maneuver.
A number of European countries have had a similar law for a long time, which provides for serious fines. Suffice it to say that, for example, in Portugal the fine for not wearing a vest is 600 euros.
