Use a real reflective light, not a fake one. Police and ITS warn pedestrians
In the article:
A pedestrian without a reflective device is visible from only 30-40 meters at dusk. Good reflective elements for pedestrians increase this distance to 130-150 meters.
Colorful promotional keychains often fail to meet any standards and are merely decoys.
A reliable reflective device must have a CE mark as well as compliance certification under standard PN-EN 17353.
Even the best reflective vest will not work if it is covered by a backpack or bag.
The police remind us
A pedestrian walking at dusk without proper equipment is only visible to a driver from a distance of about 30-40 meters, while using certified accessories extends this distance to as much as 130-150 meters. This allows for a much faster reaction, safe braking, or evasive maneuvering. According to an official statement from the Road Traffic Bureau of the Police Headquarters and the Institute of Motor Transport (ITS), the key issue on roads remains the quality of products and choosing genuine accessories that meet PN-EN 17353 standards rather than cheap promotional gadgets.
Visibility on the road is a matter of seconds
In autumn and winter, when dusk falls extremely quickly, pedestrians on unlit roads become almost invisible. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians are not protected by the vehicle’s crumple zone, body structure, or airbags. A collision with a car traveling at several dozen kilometers per hour almost always results in tragic consequences.
According to experts from the Institute of Road Transport, the key factor in avoiding collisions is the time available to the driver. If a car is traveling at 90 km/h, it covers up to 25 meters in just one second. Spotting a pedestrian dressed in dark clothing from a distance of 30 meters gives the driver only one second to take any action. Using certified accessories extends this time to several seconds, allowing the driver to slow down calmly or safely avoid the pedestrian.
Certificate rather than a colored gadget
The KGP Traffic Management Office and ITS highlight a common problem: the market is flooded with cheap keychains, self-fastening straps, and pendants that pretend to be protective equipment. The bright teal or orange color of the material does not mean that the item reflects car headlights.
Genuine reflective elements for pedestrians must meet stringent technical standards. Before purchasing, ensure the product carries a CE mark and clear certification of compliance with PN-EN 17353. The packaging or product should include the manufacturer’s name, product type, and instructions in Polish. Only such accessories guarantee that the microscopic prisms or glass beads embedded in the plastic will redirect headlights back toward the driver’s eyes.
How to wear reflectors correctly
Simply having a reflector is not enough if it is used improperly. The police and ITS have established a set of basic rules that determine the effectiveness of road safety:
Expose the reflector: Make sure it is not covered by a scarf, hanging bag, or backpack.
The side matters: When walking on the left side of the road (as required by regulations, with your face turned toward oncoming vehicles), we wear accessories on our right hand or leg. When moving in an organized column on the right side, we attach reflectors to the left side of our body.
Choose bright colors: Although regulations allow various colors, white and yellow reflectors provide a significantly higher level of visibility than red or green ones.
Check for wear: Reflective strips sewn on jackets and backpacks wear out over time through washing and use. They should be checked regularly. If water gets into the prismatic film strip, the product loses its properties and should be discarded.
How to test your reflector yourself?
Any pedestrian can easily test whether their equipment is working properly. All that’s needed is to stand in a dark place after dusk, position a flashlight (such as one on a phone) at eye level, and shine it on the reflective element from about 30 meters away. If the reflection appears as a bright point, it is functioning correctly. Otherwise, it should be replaced immediately with a new, certified unit.
The police remind that according to Article 11, Paragraph 4a of the Road Traffic Act, pedestrians walking on roads after dusk outside built-up areas have a legal obligation to use reflective elements in a way that is visible to other road users. This requirement does not apply only to roads designated exclusively for pedestrians or for pedestrians and cyclists. Experts, however, urge not to limit oneself to legal requirements and to use reflectors in cities as well, especially on poorly lit pedestrian crossings.
Source: ITS, Police