Hi-Vis clothing

Hi all,
Last night I bought two of the Hi-Vis waistcoats being sold in Aldi's at the moment.  They are being marketed towards the motorbikers amongst us and that's why I bought them in the first place. It then crossed my mind that they would also be useful in our motorhome in case of a breakdown.  They are a bit more money than you might find them in other stores but I am impressed with the quality and fit.  The XL goes over my leather bike jacket, does up with a full lenth zip and does not impede my movements.  I am happy to recommend that you look at them.  I should add that I have no tie in with Aldi, other stores are available.  

We have two high viz vests, one each and a large warning triangle to place at the rear of the van in case of a breakdown.
Boaby

Hi there,

When travelling in France it may help to place the high-viz vests over the back of the front seats. 

This is what the locals do in an attempt to stop the police/gendarmes from stopping them to check. 

Best regards,

Am I incorrect in  thinking we should carry 2 warning triangles so that one can be placed in front of as well as to the rear of the vehicle.

Mick.

micknhilary wrote:Am I incorrect in  thinking we should carry 2 warning triangles so that one can be placed in front of as well as to the rear of the vehicle.

Mick.

I fear so, Mick, together with the vests. And bulbs. And I hear that some countries are now contemplating a requirement that motorists carry a helium-inflatable balloon - which, when inflated must be the same size as the vehicle - of a baby sucking its thumb, which would be tethered 3m above a stranded vehicle as a warning to all, including drones......

Cymro

Just for info - Last year in France we got chatting to someone who had stopped on the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway, without noticing a police car some way behind.

He got out of his van with his yellow jacket in his hand, and put it on as he stepped onto the ground. (All this on the nearside in France of course!)

The police car pulled in behind him and he got a right finger wagging for not putting on his yellow coat before getting out of the van. He had the good sense to grovel and got away with a telling off, but it's worth being aware, even though it may have been a "jobsworth" M. Le Plodde he encountered!

Dave

Gromit wrote:Just for info - Last year in France we got chatting to someone who had stopped on the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway, without noticing a police car some way behind.

He got out of his van with his yellow jacket in his hand, and put it on as he stepped onto the ground. (All this on the nearside in France of course!)

The police car pulled in behind him and he got a right finger wagging for not putting on his yellow coat before getting out of the van. He had the good sense to grovel and got away with a telling off, but it's worth being aware, even though it may have been a "jobsworth" M. Le Plodde he encountered!

Dave

Hi there,

I suppose it just depends how many mangled bodies you have seen before you change from a "Cavalier" to a "Jobsworth".  

Best regards,

Fair comment Dutto, but I was recounting the tale (which rather surprised me!) in case others might do the same as the chap I spoke to. I probably would have, and risked a hefty fine!

(On reflection, it is obviously sensible to put on the jacket before exiting the vehicle, but I bet a lot of people would be more likely to grab it, step out of the van, and then put it on where there's room to flail their arms!)

It has got me thinking again, and as so often happens there is plenty of advice on the internet but much of it is so vague, and often contradictory, that it's practically useless.

Can anyone point to a definitive, official explanation of where and under what circumstances a hi viz vest must be worn? It would be good to know the exact requirements of the law, for fear of breaking it through ignorance!

Thanks


Dave

This AA guide may not be the definitive, but it's pretty good. Check the country you want, click on the ' ? ' and an explanation of when each item is needed comes up.
http://shop.theaa.com/store/advice-on-driving-in-europe?ito=86411

Thanks Paul.

Still not very precise, and it doesn't seem to matter which country you choose, the advice panel is identical and has more information about the rest of Europe than the chosen country?

Having trawled through all I can find on the internet, no two sources seem to give entirely the same advice.

Not sure if this is due to "interpretation" or the notoriously vague French laws. Like the breathalysers for example. We are still legally obliged to carry two, which (presumably) should be "in date" and properly certified and approved - but we won't be fined if we don't have them!

J'aime beaucoup La Belle France!


Dave

I am a little perplexed about the 2 warning triangles in particular it says "2 not required for 2 Wheel vehicles " but it does not say when 2 are required country wise? The AA site has kits for overseas motoring, but their kit only has one triangle. I understood french police were very hot on headlamp deflectors being of a proven make and style, but the AA web site states only the beam needs to be deflected. 
Seems to me it matters little if you have or do not have something the Police can be awkward with you. 
Back to the HiVIz vests, looked at the Aldi ones when in there and agree they are good quality looking things, but I already have some, shame thy did not have another warning triangle. 

This AA list is better I think....

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf

Thanks Paulmold. it is a little more comprehensive.   Still a little vague on some points.

Yes - thanks again Paul.

I hadn't come across that one and it does seem better than most.

It's not something that will keep me awake at night, but I do like to know for certain, rather than to rely upon the well intentioned advice or reminiscences of "some bloke I met last year in France".

The one I met sounded genuine enough, but not having been there I don't know the full details. He could have been spinning a yarn to put himself in a better light, having done or said something to upset M. Le Plodde.

Thanks for your efforts.

Dave

m8form8 - it is my belief that only one triangle is required in France but 2 in Spain.  Seems to depend on the country being visited.  HiViz seems to be required everywhere except UK!

Thanks for that Dave "R" ill throw another one in the van if I see one cheap, not planning on Spain this year! 

Back to subject, happened to go in Sports Direct today, they are selling nice winter hi viz coats for 16 quid a time.