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DontGetHit Archive Page
Monday, May 28, 2012
Your safety should by your primary concern when you are out
bike riding. There are a number of different safety features that you can use
when biking to help keep you safe. When you are riding at night, however, in
addition to light colored reflective clothing and reflectors on your spokes,
you should also ensure that you use tail lights so that others can see you on
the road. In many cases, your bike tail lights are the only thing ensuring that
drivers in motor vehicles see you on the road.
There a a number of different tail lights that you can use
for your bicycle. Most bicycle tail lights are compatible with any kind of
bicycle, although there are some bike tail lights that are specifically made for
certain bike brands. When choosing your lights for bikes, you need to ensure
that you choose lights that will fit your bike.
Another thing that you need to be aware of is that many
states have laws concerning the riding of bicycles in both day and nighttime
conditions. Many do require you to have bicycle tail lights whether it is day
or night, if you plan on driving on a public road. Other states have
requirements for night riding that may include both tail lights and front
lights for bikes. Staying abreast of your local laws is just as important as
your safety equipment.
An inexpensive and popular option for types of lights for
bikes are LED tail lights and front lights. LED lights are available in white
or yellow for the front of your bike and red for the back of your bike. LED
tail lights can provide up to 50000 hours of operation before the batteries are
exhausted. What's more, the bulbs are less prone to burn out, and like
traditional light bulbs, you can buy LED's with different levels of power and
light generation.
If you choose LED bike tail lights, you need to ensure that
you buy high quality back lights. LED's can generate a lot of heat if not
properly encased or put together, especially if you purchase a more power LED
light. Using reviews is an excellent way to determine how well specific brands
work.
LED bicycle tail lights aren't your only option for back
lights. You can choose from solar powered lights, battery lights, halogen
lights, HID lights, filament lamps, xenon strobes and more. With each option
you will choose either a flashing tail light or a solid tail light to indicate
your presence.
There are a number of retailers that sell LED tail lights
and other back lights for many different bikes. Some only sell bicycle
equipment while others are general stores with many different merchandise
options. This is your safety that you are talking about so take your time and
find the best options for your needs and your budget. You will be glad that you
did.  
Sunday, May 27, 2012
To some people, their dog is like another baby of the
family, and if anything happened to it the whole family would suffer from the
loss of the dog. Dogs are like young
children, they like to explore and get into mischief. If they are not on a leash or being watched
at all times, they could easily get out of the house and out of the yard, and
end up in the wrong place at the wrong time and get hit by a vehicle that
either can't slow down fast enough because the vehicle is too big and carrying
a heavy load, or the driver is not paying attention to what is in front of them
until it is too late.
There are a few things that might help if your dog gets out
of the yard on a regular basis, and likes to wander. You can go to your local pet store or look
online, and see about dog reflectors, reflective collars, or a dog reflective vest. This way if it is dark outside,
you will be able to see the reflection of the dog reflectors, reflective collars,
or dog reflective vest, even if you can't see the dog its self because it is a
dark color like black or brown.
Often times, some dog owners will get these devices for
their dog because the dog is deaf, blind, or maybe both and can't hear or see
things until it is too late. Some people
may consider this to be abuse or neglect to let their deaf and or blind dog
wander the streets without their owner with them to protect them and prevent a
possible accident from happening. Others
applaud dog owners for doing this in hopes of keeping their dog safe as well as
trying to make the public aware that the dog is there and may not see or hear a
person coming up to it or a fast moving vehicle approaching it.
Another great place that someone might consider the use of
dog reflectors; is if someone takes their dog on a trip and the dog wanders off
and gets hurt. This way even if the dog
tries to hide under something, you will still be able to see the reflective
material on your dog. This is something
that is common with people who take their dog on hunting trips for
example. If the dog were to accidentally
end up in the wrong place at the wrong time and get shot, it might try to
wonder off. If this should happen, you
would be able to spot the reflective gear even if you had to bring in a
helicopter or airplane to help in the search efforts.
Protecting your dog, and doing what you can to keep it safe,
is the responsible thing to do. Most dog
owners know that the dog would do the same thing for their human if their human
was hurt and needed to get help to them.
The diver who advances through experience will naturally
want to improve speed so as to maximize viewing pleasures. The scuba fins that
offer a center with maximum water channeling by using the foot pocket as part
of the blade and side panels that direct water off the tip without spilling
over the sides will increase the faster swimming result desired. This level of
scuba diving fin will maintain a lightweight structure and have an easily
adjustable buckle.
All divers may not get to professional level diving, but
once they have the skill and have achieved the speed desired, they can improve
both by moving up to the scuba diving fin constructed with an articulating
joint for pivot and thrust. The Cayman Trench where depths drop from 60 feet to
3,000 feet will attract this experienced diver who must have the highest level
of diving skill and one of the best equipment that supports the diving
sport.
DontGetHit.com
Thursday, May 24, 2012
 2012 bike month has been the busiest ever. With so many events across the US for bike/walk to school day and bike/walk to work week/day it seems like almost everyone's been biking. Bike NY's five boro 40 mile bike tour and festival was really exciting. The Police Unity Tour that starts in NJ was also something special.
Here are some of the terrific safety give aways that were given out.
The Soldotna, Alaska police department started their fun bicycle and pedestrian safety classes for school children. This year they are handing out reflective zipper pulls and bike spoke reflectors.
goDCgo again gave their eye catching reflective legbands and the County of Shasta, CA also chose reflective chain guards.
Reflective slap bracelets , reflective armbands and bike spoke lights were a super hit as always.
DontGetHit.com
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The use of LED bicycle lights is used to see when riding home after
dark. The use of lights on a bicycle are for safety. They provide light
that allows you to see and also allows others to see you riding down a
road or sidewalk. Installing LED bike tail lights can be done to make
your bike seen from the rear. The use of LED lights are a great option
for a bike to avoid an accident or injury when reflectors that are on a
bicycle are ineffective.
A light that is attached to the handlebars of a bike will allow the
rider to see signs that may be missed if they are not illuminated. This
can lead to bike riders unknowingly enter an intersection or fail to
stop at the end of a road. This product is easy to install on a bike and
is powered by batteries. Clamps are used to secure LED bicycle lights
to the handlebars with a screw. LED bike tail lights are attached onto
your bike frame that is below the seat.
Wires can be run along the frame up to the handlebars. Securing wire for
the lights to the frame can be done with zip ties. A switch is used to
turn the lights on and off if they are needed. A light used on your bike
can be turned on only at night or during the day when our riding.
However, you may need to use a new set of batteries. The batteries used
for these lights are rechargeable and will last a minimum of two to
three hours.
Lights that you can install on your bicycle are light weight and will
not cause any problems riding your bike on a bike path or the edge of a
road. Some lights have features such as settings that are used when a
dim light is required or a bright light is needed. The light that is
mounted to the front of a bicycle may be required to be a white light.
The color of light to mount on the rear of your bike needs to be red.
The colors of light are the same as those used for scooters and other
small electric and gas powered vehicles that are ridden on the road.
LED lights that are made for a bicycle are designed to be waterproof.
This means that they can be used when rainy weather occurs. You can find
lights for a bicycle at many retailers online. Batteries for your LED
lights may need to be purchased separately. The most common battery that
is used for this type of light is a AAA. However, some may require the
use of AA batteries.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the unimaginable can happen. Those hours are
considered high risk for your safety. It is dark outside you are biking,
walking or running at night or early in the morning. A driver, who may
or may not see you, drives right into you. As a result, you may be
injured or even killed. The unimaginable does not have to occur and you
don’t have to stop enjoying the outdoors when you use reflective apparel
such as reflective belts, reflective backpacks or reflective vests.
Reflective gear increases your visibility to drivers. An increased
visibility also increases your opportunity to enjoy your outings and be
safe too. You can use different types of reflective apparel to increase
your safety.
Reflective Vests
The vests, which are lightweight and breathable, are easy to slip on
when you’re prepared to walk or run at night or in the morning. The
vests typically are available in one-size-fits-all. So, you don’t have
to worry about finding the perfect size vest. The vests are designed
with strips on the back and front so drivers can see you.
Reflective Armbands
If you’re not interested in wearing vests, you can choose the reflective
armbands. The armbands are available in different colors such as lime
green and bright orange. Wearing the armbands allow drivers to see that
something is moving when it’s dark outside.
Reflective Leg Bands
You can also wear reflective leg bands, if you’re not interested in
wearing vests. The leg bands are available in the same colors as the
armbands. All of the leg bands are light weight. Most are made with
Velcro to provide an adjustable fit.
Reflective Belts
The belts are alternative to other reflective gear like armbands and leg
bands, although people usually wear the bands and belts. The belts,
which are one-size-fits-all as well, are constructed with loops and
snaps to allow you to attach things such as keys or a small wallet on
them.
Emergency Lights for Vehicles
Besides wearing reflective gear such as reflective armbands, you can
increase your visibility with emergency lights. These emergency lights for vehicles fit on your bike, scooters or other vehicles. Many people
place the lights on the wheel rims or bike handles. Most of these
lights are lightweight and easy to attach on any vehicle. Some lights,
however, may require batteries unlike the apparel.
Regardless of the outdoor activity you choose to enjoy, it’s vital to
stay safe. The evening and early morning is a dangerous time for anyone
biking, walking or running. Increasing your safety involves wearing
apparel such as reflective backpacks, reflective belts and reflective leg bands. You can’t depend on drivers to watch the road and see you
too.
DontGetHit.com
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Cars are so much a part of our day-to-day that we barely think about
them anymore. However, that doesn't stop them from behind a primary
contributor to hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths every year.
As such you need to be extra careful when you're making plans involving
your car, and there are certain things you should always have on hand
for those unpredictable situations where you're in an emergency.
First things first, make sure that your car emergency lights function
properly. Your hazard lights, as they're called, are your first line of
defense when there's an emergency on the road, and you should check them
periodically to be sure that the flashers function. If there are any
troubles then you should definitely replace the bulbs and, if necessary,
have your electrical connections checked so that you have full warning
light capability.
Beyond your car emergency lights though, you should also be sure that
you have some very basic emergency equipment in your trunk. Emergency lights for vehicles should include road flares, flashlights (the strong
kind that you can see through the rain), and if at all possible one of
the orange cones that you can put over the top of a flashlight so that
people can see it more easily. These emergency lights for vehicles
should be regularly tested as well, at least once per year or so. Much
like fire extinguishers, if you leave your lights for too long then when
you finally do really need them, they won't be functional and it will
be a lot like you'd never had them in the first place.
In addition to all of the emergency light capability in case of an
accident or other automotive problem, you should also be sure that you
have a proper amount of reflective gear on hand in your vehicle.
Reflective gear can include a poncho with reflectors on it, but it might
also include small road signs with reflectors on them to help guide
traffic around a stalled or failed vehicle. These let drivers know that
there's a problem, and they have been trained by society to follow
reflective lines away from vehicles so as to avoid as much damage as
possible.
These are just a few options that you should be sure to have available
in whatever vehicle you're driving. You should keep all of your
emergency preparedness equipment in a small, tightly packed kit that you
can fit into a bin in the trunk or even in the driver's side door if
needs be. This way you have everything you need, and you still have room
for all the other cargo space you've set aside for when you need it.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
If running makes you feel good, and you love to feel the wind on your
cheeks, the burn in your legs and the freeing feeling of just being one
with the road, knowing you are taking care of your body, then having a
safe run should be most important. It's a fact that when you can't be
seen on the road, you're taking unnecessary risks to your health and
even your life. Why take that risk when there are many tools at your
disposal that will assist you in running safely, as well as make you
cool while doing it.
Besides the common sense tips of running safely, i.e. having tied shoes,
limiting distractions, making sure you have personal identification on
you, and not running alone at night; there are other just as important
tools to ensure a safe run. Running reflective gear, which includes
reflective vests, reflective belts and reflective armbands should be in
your running arsenal, and are essential to ensure drivers can see you
clearly.
Running reflective gear comes in many different forms, and includes a
variety of colors, sizes and designs. In fact, reflective gear can be
used just about anywhere from your ankles to your head, and if you
really want to be seen clearly; reflective gear can be used in multiple
places, such as wearing a vest, armbands and ankle bands.
Reflective vests can be worn outside of regular clothing and can look
just as fashionable as everyday wear. Reflective vests come in bright
colors so drivers can see you, especially at night, such as bright
yellow, neon green, hot pink, and pumpkin orange. They don't have to be
bulky, too tight or too loose, but they have to be bright for your own
safety. Some are a complete vest while others just wrap around your
shoulders and fit like suspenders.
Reflective belts are also a good addition to your reflective gear if you
don't want to wear a vest, but still need to be clearly seen; they are
great for holding ID and come in wide or slimmer styles. The colors of
reflective belts include yellow, red, pink, orange, blue and many more.
Best of all, they look cool while wearing them and keep you safe.
Reflective armbands are another great tool for a safe run. These
armbands can be wide or slim, long or short, and can help you be seen.
Reflective armbands can also be used on wrists or ankles. A GPS device
can be attached to a reflective armband as well. How about lime green,
neon yellow or orange, or a striking gold color to show you off?
Whichever you choose, running reflective gear will add to your safety
collection so you can take off with no worries and enjoy the rush of
adrenaline when rubber meets the road.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
You know how much you love your dog. You know how important your dog
is to your happiness. You would never want anything to happen to your
dog that you could easily have prevented. Have you ever thought about
all the potential dangers your dog is exposed to when being walked in
inclement weather or on dark nights? It is of course, very important to
walk your dog on a regular basis even when it is dark and rainy, but
pedestrians are typically over confident of their presence and
visibility when walking at night. It is very challenging for a driver to
see a pedestrian walking on the side of the road and even harder to see
a dog. There may also be the risk of your dog getting out on his own
without your watchful care to protect him.
An easy solution to help protect your beloved dog is reflective
accessories. You can purchase both a reflective dog collar and a
reflective dog leash for your pet. Reflective pet gear will be easily
seen in car headlights, street lights or even in the beam of a
flashlight, enabling the presence of you and your dog to be obvious to
oncoming drivers and other pedestrians.
You are most likely aware of people wearing reflective clothing to
protect them when cycling or running. You will have probably noticed
highway construction crews wearing reflective apparel to make their
presence more obvious to passing traffic. Police, paramedics and
emergency roadside services are all equipped with reflective jackets and
reflective signals to enable us to better see them. Children’s outer
garments, shoes or even back packs are often designed with built-in
reflectors to improve their roadside safety. Since reflective pet gear
is readily available don’t you think it is a good idea to protect your
dog too?
In addition to protecting your dog when walking there are other benefits
to reflective pet gear. With a reflective dog collar; you can
confidently take your dog camping, as you will be easily able to monitor
his whereabouts at night. You will no longer struggle to find your
reflective dog leash in that dark cupboard when preparing to take your
dog out for his evening walk. On a dull day you can more easily spot
your dog at your favorite dog park. The good news is both you and your
dog will be more easily seen whenever the light is failing.
It is wise to protect your dog when out walking at night and makes good
sense to invest in a reflective dog collar and a reflective dog leash.
It is also comforting to have the peace of mind that you have done all
you can to protect your best friend.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Riding your bicycle at night on city streets is a dangerous activity
that should be discouraged due to the number of accidents each year.
These accidents occur for two major reasons, drivers not paying
attention and bike riders not being visible.
Not much can be done about inattentive drivers, and sadly this practice
will continue. As a bike rider though, there are options available to
make the roads safer for everyone. Riding your bike without fear is the
main goal of wearing safety equipment, as well as being visible to
vehicles on the roadways.
LED bicycle lights are a good accessory to attach to your bicycle as
they provide light for your path in front of you. They are small, bright
and powerful and will illuminate the road a good many feet in front of
your bicycle, allowing you to see different obstacles and obstructions.
LED bike tail lights are good for traffic coming up behind you to know
that you are there. There are various types of lights from solid
illumination to blinking tail lights. They do give a good advantage to
the rider, allowing them to ride in safety.
Another way to be safe while riding your bicycle at night is the use of
reflective gear. There are different accouterments that the bicyclist
dons before riding their bike and will reflect light from traffic. They
usually have various reflective bands that glow in the headlights.
A reflective armband is of course for the arms and as the rider pedals
along they will provide a good point of reference for any traffic that
is in the area. They can be attached to the upper arms or the lower
arms, or both places.
Reflective leg bands, as with other equipment, strap to the legs of the
rider and show the motion of pedaling to vehicles traveling in the same
area. These can be either thin bands or wide bands, depending on the
preference.
Reflective back packs come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have
the same use. They provide a large area to be seen by motorists and they
are handy for holding anything you might need to carry.
The following equipment will allow the bicyclist to be safe and
comfortable while riding their bicycle at night. When searching for the
products, keeps in the mind that the better reflective surface they
have, the safer you will be. When the LED bicycle lights, LED bike tail
lights and reflective gear are used, it will decrease the possibility of
not being seen. By utilizing reflective armbands and reflective leg
bands, that will give motorists a general size to look out for. The reflective back packs not only provide safety, but it also acts as a
handy storage area to keep your hands free from holding something.
Be safe and ride without fear by using bicycle safety equipment. It can
save you life by letting vehicles know that they are not the only one on
the road. Be smart about riding your bicycle.
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