Reflectors for trucks - functions of control lamps

Regulations on reflectors for trucks

The Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 4 May 2009 legally regulates the obligation of reflective contour marking for trucks. From that date all trucks on Polish roads should be equipped with specific reflectors, helping to estimate their dimensions. The obvious function of reflectors for semi-trailers is the ability to see the vehicle from a certain distance - even 1 km. Increasing the visibility of the truck on the road gives other road users more time to react. Reflectors for trucks significantly reduce the number of accidents. Lighting is particularly important during unfavorable weather conditions or at night because a truck standing on the roadside or joining traffic or leaving a subordinate road is clearly visible.

Why the trucks must be equipped with reflectors?

Considering  road transport, Poland is a transit country. Many domestic transport companies operate on the European Union market and our country has a dominant position on it. According to statistics and taking into consideration their number, accidents caused by car drivers and cyclists are ranked first and second and accidents caused by truck drivers are ranked third.

 Despite the applicable regulations regarding the proper marking of the truck, many drivers do not respect the standards. Most of the trucks are incorrectly marked - they are not equipped with reflectors  or their required number on the vehicle is incomplete.

Truck owners or companies with a fleet of transport trucks should ensure that the vehicles are properly marked. First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations, which precisely regulate what reflective elements should be places on the truck. The cost of these accessories low compared to the benefits. First of all, we can refer to the social cost as a result of an accident involving an unmarked truck - e.g. time lost in traffic jams of other road users, loss of property, loss of health or life.

Types of reflectors and reflective accessories for trucks

Reflectors for trucks can be divided into three categories - reflective devices, warning reflective triangles and reflective contour tapes. These accessories differ in design, shape and color. White, yellow, orange or red reflectors are used to mark the truck. Each of the reflectors is dedicated to a specific place on the truck vehicle. Reflectors should be installed in accordance with the instructions, because some of them must be placed on a special tape, while the others need special fasteners

First of all, it is important to purchase reflectors made of high-quality materials. Because these accessories are constantly exposed to adverse weather conditions, they must be resistant to rain, hail, snow, strong wind, strong sunlight, low or high temperatures. The solid material is not damaged, distorted and it does not lose its reflective properties over time. Therefore, you should buy reflectors for trucks from a reputable dealers which sell high-quality accessories.

It is also very important to constantly monitor the technical condition of the reflectors. In the case of any damage to the surface of reflectors, it is necessary to replace them immediately or fasten the new reflector in the event of its unexpected detachment of reflector elements from the vehicle structure