Glowing in the dark

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 23

Glowing in the dark

Bright, reflective clothing is the message being promoted by the Accident Compensation Commission in its "Be Safe — Be Seen" Campaign. The underlying concept is that unless the road user can be seen by the motorist, he or she is not safe: A pilot campaign was launched last year and this winter the campaign will be even more intensive. Essentially, the aim is to encourage road users to be as conspicuous as possible. According to figures worked out from compensated accident claims by the A.C.C., the groups most at risk are cyclists and pedestrians under the age of 25. Statistics cannot be ignored. In 1980. -213 people were killed and 5161 severely injured. These figures only represent motor-cyclists, cyclists and pedestrians and do not include numerous minor injuries. The campaign last year concentrated on organising community projects to en-

courage the use of reflectorised garments. But this year the emphasis is towards actively involving the community by encouraging people to think about their individual responsibility in preventing road accidents. “Booty Owl” has been chosen as the logo for the campaign and last month more then 40,000 reflective owl stickers were disturbed throughout New Zealand by Scout groups. From a goodwill point of view, rather than a business venture, many manufacturers now include reflective tape in garments. The safety consultant for the A.C.C. in Christchurch, Mr Jim Nieman, says that it is now hoped that retailers and individuals will follow suit. “Although it is not compulsory to wear these garments, some schools and clubs are taking a very positive attitude,' 1 Mr Nieman says. "One school has changed from a navy blue parka to a bright yellow parka."

A great deal of publicity has been given to the danger milk delivery children face because of the poor light at delivery times. As a result the AMP Society now intends to provide a free reflectorised vest to all milk Children throughout New Zealand. There are a wide range of products on the market that are reflective and highly visible at night. But when headlights and street lights are not on, some of these products are not effective. This is why the A.C.C. stresses bright and reflective clothing. ■ “The public become so conditioned to cyclists being knocked off their bicycles, we also become slightly apathetic,” Mr Nieman says, | "Wearing conspicious j clothing is one way of pre-I venting accidents." j