Boulder, Colorado (PRWEB) December 12, 2012
Vedante is delighted to share some simple steps to keep pedestrians, holiday shoppers, bicyclists, friends and family visible at night.
Vedante Corp founder, Barbara Kantor, states While the winter season brings wonderful celebrations, it’s important to think about how to keep friends and family safe in the dark evenings. Kantor suggests using and sharing the following tips with friends and family.
Ten Tips for Nighttime Visibility and Safety
1. Wear White or Light Colors:
White can be seen at night up to about 200 feet. On the other side of the spectrum, Black can be seen at most about 20 feet at night.
2. Wear Reflective Accessories:
Wearing reflective accessories is a good defense against being invisible, but you need to be sure that the reflective areas are large enough and give you 360 degree visibility. The little reflective logo on your shirt or shoe is not enough. Reflectivity should be labeled 500-700 CPL (visible up to 1000-1500 feet). If reflectivity is not labeled, it is likely only reflective 50-200 feet. This is not enough distance for a car to see you and stop at normal road speeds. Glow in the Dark products are nice during the winter, however, they have limited distance visibility
Vedante Super Reflective POP BANDS (reflective arm bands and leg bands that snap on like Snap Bands) reflect up to 1500 feet depending on the selected color. They are available in 2 sizes (medium and large). POP BANDS make inexpensive, wonderful gifts during the holiday season for friends, family and co-workers and are available in White, Red, Yellow, Green, Tangerine, Blue and Pink. The unique part is they reflect in colors instead of just in white.
3. Walk Defensively!
You are an unexpected object at night. In cross walks and parking lots, be sure the driver is aware of your presence by making eye contact before crossing in front of them. Use sidewalks when available. Be sure to walk on the left side facing traffic so you can see the headlights of oncoming vehicles. If you carry a light, place it on the side closest to traffic
4. Use Caution in Parking Lots
Do not walk behind parked cars that have taillights on. Listen for cars with running motors and do not walk behind them
5. Always Have Identification on You
We hope you never need it, but safety first, put your driver’s license in your pocket, handbag or wear an ID tag on your shoe
6. Invite a Companion
There’s strength and safety in numbers. It’s safer and more fun to have a companion. If you’re walking, shopping, biking or running alone let someone know the route you’re taking and approximately how long you will be out
7. Avoid the Red Light of Death
You stop to the right of a car that’s already waiting at a red light or stop sign. They can’t see you. You are in their blind spot. When the light turns green, you move forward, and then they turn right, right into you. If you are on a bicycle you can avoid this possible collision by stopping behind the car, instead of to the right of it. It’s possible for the car behind you to seeing you when you’re right in front of it. If you are walking, let the car turn first if they do not make eye contact with you
8. Re-think music players and mobile phones:
It’s more important to hear what’s around you
9. Walk and Ride in Well Lighted Areas When Possible:
Walk and ride your bike in the open where the light is best. Park your car and bike under a street lamp when possible
10. Follow Your Instincts:
If you feel that you’re entering an unsafe situation, trust your gut
PS. Vedante founder, Barbara Kantor says Dont forget about your dog or cats visibility and safety this holiday season. Many of the same tips apply to your pet She suggests outfitting dogs and cats with super reflective collars and leashes. Make sure they reflect up to around 1000 feet since both the pet and car are in motion. If the reflective distance is not labeled on the collar or leash, presume it is less than 200 feet and does not give the automobile enough time to safely stop. Vedantes Silver colored Dog Collars, Dog Leashes and Cat Collars reflect up to 1200 feet. Vedantes Cat Collar is also available in Red (and reflects in Red).
About the Author
Barbara Kantor, CEO of Vedante, was inspired to create reflective gear during an evening walk when she witnessed a pedestrian being struck by a car. The pedestrian, in a crosswalk, was unaware that the driver couldn’t see her. Barbara began to realize that she and others weren’t safe walking or biking in the evening. She developed POP BANDS and super-reflective pet products to keep people and pets safe at night. Vedante products reflective up to 1500 feet and can provide 360