What kind of jackets do your kids wear?

 As the days of autumn grow shorter, and the natural colors around us begin to fade, it's important to understand that making kids more visible isn't just about fun—it’s about safety. Data shows that the leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 10 isn’t illness, but accidents—particularly traffic accidents and injuries.

 

Now, let’s break this down: sure, gray, black, or dark blue jackets might look more stylish, but they’re far less noticeable to drivers. Here’s a key insight: under normal headlights, these standard colors are visible at about 20-30 meters in the dark. In contrast, bright colors combined with reflective elements can be seen from 150 meters away. That distance can literally be the difference between life and death, dramatically reducing the risk of being hit by a vehicle.

 

 

 

This doesn’t just apply to pedestrians—cyclists benefit too, with studies showing that proper visibility reduces the risk of accidents by 55%.

 

I’ve personally been fined for not wearing a reflective item (which, if worn incorrectly, might not even work), but the science is clear—bright clothing with reflective strips on all sides significantly enhances children’s safety.

 

So, ask yourself—what kind of jackets do your kids wear?

 

 

 

Safety Science Volume 108, October 2018, Pages 209-217 The effect of a yellow bicycle jacket on cyclist accidents

On-road measures of the visibility of pedestrians at night. 2003Journal of Vision, 3( 9): 549, 549a