IMAGINE....
WHEN CAN THE CAR SEE YOU?
At about 40 meters distance. If the car is to have time to brake, it must not drive much more than 60 km per hour. (Provided the road is dry)
BUT IMAGINE THEN ....
That you and your dog walk down the street in the dark. But in both powerful reflections or light.
WHEN WILL YOU BE SEEN BY THE CAR?
At approx. 150 meters distance.
Yep, that’s something of a difference. And it’s a difference that can save both dog lives and human lives.
(Source: Liikenneturva & Motorsporten.dk)
GOOD ADVICE TO IT
Fortunately, the accident rarely happens. We manage to pull the dog to the side, or the car manages to slow down or deviate. But we get scared. Both dog owner and car owner. Therefore, both dog and dog owner should carry good light or strong reflections on the walks in the dark time. It makes a HUGE difference. For my own part, it gives great security when I walk with my dogs. I know we are seen so that we do not frighten others and so that others do not surprise us.
SO HERE ARE MY ADVICE FOR YOU WHEN YOU AIR A DOG IN THE DARK:
- Use good reflectors on your dog’s harness, collar and / or leash
- Use good reflectors on your clothes yourself
- Also use light
- Keep the dog on a short leash so that it walks close to you.
- Walk on the left side of the road with the dog on your left side so the dog is as far from the driving traffic as possible.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
In relation to light for dogs, there are a lot of options. Some solutions are something cheap China-bras other solutions are quite good.
I even use an Orbiloc ( http://orbiloc.com/ ) for my little Cavalier. It shines great and it lasts really well. The flashlight is attached to my dog’s harness so I can always turn it on when the need arises.
Unfortunately, the lamp is designed in such a way that you have to turn the lamp’s glass to switch it on and off. This means that it is a bit ‘loose’ if it is off. It is impractical in terms of water and in terms of losing it. But it’s an old model I have, and it’s probably been redone afterwards.
For my labrador I have a Safety Gear LED light collar ( http://qpet.biz/F0001/main.aspx?page=article&artno=749821 ). It also works super well. It is reasonably resistant to water and dirt. And then I like that it shines all the way around the collar of my lively dog!
And then enjoy the walk. Even though it is dark and maybe a little cold, the walks can be refreshing for both dog and owner!
