Abroad|03/12/18

AUSTRIA: Travel injuries are an especially high risk on Mondays in winter

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > AUSTRIA: Travel injuries are an especially high risk on Mondays in winter

In 2017, the AUVA recorded 12,264 travel injuries, which represented 12% of the total number of occupational injuries. And this year again, Monday was the day on which they were most numerous, representing 21% of the total on the national level, and even 26% in Vienna.

Most travel injuries (61%) are due to traffic accidents. Moreover, in autumn and winter, “most travel takes place at dusk and in darkness and rain, with fog and snow often creating problems of visibility, which increases the risk,” explains Peter Schwaighofer, “traffic” expert in the AUVA.

On the road, 90% of information is transmitted via the eyes. That is why it is very important to see and be seen. The best protection for pedestrians and cyclists consists of reflective clothing or reflective items (on caps, shoes, jackets, children’s schoolbags, pushchairs, etc.). Those who wear such clothing or items are seen by motorists from a distance of 130-160 metres, versus 25-30 metres when wearing dark clothing.

In autumn and winter, it is especially important for motorists to adapt their driving to the weather conditions and to have good visibility (unobstructed window panes and headlamps).

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