WHAT is a personal safety reflector

A personal safety reflector is attached to outwear or often on bags and strollers. When car headlights hit the reflector, it returns the light back to the driver’s eyes. This increases visibility and lessens the chance of being accidentally struck by a moving vehicle! In the dark, a driver can hardly see a pedestrian if he doesn’t wear a reflector.

View this clip to learn what the visibility is with and without reflectors for someone driving a car.

WHY use it

The role of reflectors in accident prevention is undeniable. A reflector exponentially increases visibility in traffic as well as sparsely populated areas. The distances in visibility with and without a reflector, using either low- or high beams, are shown in the image below.

WHEN, WHERE & HOW to use it

Whether in a metropolis, urban, suburban or rural area, it is recommended that whenever you are on foot or two wheels, to use a personal safety reflector during twilight, low light or night time. 

While it can be attached to pretty much anywhere (bag, purse, backpack, computer case, equipment, dog leash, sleeve, or hung around the neck), it is most effective when hung from the waist and allowed to dangle in order to catch the headlights of moving vehicles.  

The reflector is designed to enhance your visibility in traffic and to prevent accidents and deaths. Reflectors have the potential to save your loved ones, your family, your friends, and neighbors.

WHO should use it

Personal safety reflectors are a standard in Finland today and the Finnish Road Traffic Code requires pedestrians to wear reflectors when traveling on the roads after dark. Using a personal safety reflector significantly increases the visibility of pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, and other road users.  Wearing a reflector is the norm and the practice is instilled early in Finnish children.  

Safety reflectors have become somewhat of a fashion statement – these stylish, attractive accessories are especially good for city dwellers who want to been seen.   They now come in all colors and fun shapes (including triangle, square, circle, bottle, rectangle, heart, t-shirt, bus, car, dinosaur, cat, bear, owl, bird/penguin, snowflake, etc.) and can be customized with graphic art or messages printed on them. Not only is safety combined with fashion and function.

Wearing one is fun!