Kids are back to school and nights are getting longer. I’m back to full-time focus on helping people be safe and visible in traffic at night. Seven years ago today, I almost lost my husband. While some question the effectiveness of reflectors, I know they save lives. I know it from statistics comparing the US and Sweden, and stories like these illustrate the statistics. I originally posted the day after the almost-accident happened, but it deserves to be re-told so here it is again:
The story
August 27, 2011
Last night, I was struggling with a new blog post when my husband, a father of three, stepped through the door, sank down on a chair and said “I think, the funflector safety reflector on my umbrella just saved my life!” So, forget about the not-so-great blog post. Here is his story:
“I was on my way home from a late trip to the library. It was a nice walk down quiet residential streets. I was on the last of these little streets before coming to the main road. I hadn’t seen a single car since leaving the library, only a couple of people walking their dogs. That last neighborhood street has no sidewalks, so I was walking in the street, like everyone who walks their dog, visits a neighbor or just heads out for some exercise.
I was where the street makes its final curve up to the highway. Before I knew it, a Hummer came flying around the blind corner, in the oncoming lane and right at me after an illegal left turn from the highway. The driver got a fraction of a second to notice me in the dark but I’m still here to write this because the folded up umbrella I was carrying had a safety reflector dangling from the handle. I doubt that the driver would have noticed me without it since the street is badly lit. The shining reflector swinging on the left side of the road let the driver know that something was very wrong (something more than just that the car was driving on the left) . The Hummer dodged to its right and just missed me.”
It’s Up To Us to Save Lives
He was of course relieved not to be another tally mark in the night time accident statistics, but quite shaken and so was I. It just takes a split second of bad decision by someone to destroy their own and/or someone else’s life. 7 out of 10 pedestrian accidents happen at night, and it is up to you as an unprotected pedestrian to make yourself visible to avoid another tragedy.
Since this almost-accident happened, there have been big improvements in the attitude towards pedestrians. Infrastructure improvements and drivers’ attitudes have changed. However, we still have a long way to go. Until then, I’m making sure my customers, friends and family are seen in the dark.
Now, click here to order a couple of funflector safety reflectors before it’s too late!
Have fun and stay safe!
Elisabeth