Safety sets a precedent for shelters

Unlit bus stops and bus shelters in dark surroundings are a source of danger for the people who are actually seeking shelter at them. Schoolchildren, whose attention is often focused on things other than approaching vehicles, are particularly affected. Fluorescent stickers with warning notices and clear symbols help to increase driver awareness by day and night. Modern lighting systems also increase the safety of those waiting. Examples that should set a precedent.

Good reflexes

The simplest way to increase the passive safety of bus shelters is to use reflective films, also known as reflector films or retroreflective films. Affixed to side and rear panels, they send the light emitted by vehicle headlights back in its original direction, regardless of the angle of incidence.

The intensity with which the incident light is reflected corresponds to different reflection or power classes (RA1, RA2, RA3). The higher the reflection class, the stronger the effect. The choice of the correct reflective class when using reflective films depends on the installation site/application site/purpose.

Rule of thumb here: The brighter the surroundings, the higher the reflex class should be selected; the higher the permitted driving speed, the higher the reflex class should be selected. High reflection classes are recommended for stops on poorly lit or unlit roads where people drive fast, as bright reflections are noticed more quickly. In urban areas, perhaps even in a 30 km/h zone, a low reflective class is sufficient, but if the surroundings themselves are illuminated or have conspicuous light sources, a higher class that can keep up with the ambient light makes sense. Important: It is not the pure brightness of an object that determines its perceptibility, but the contrast between it and its surroundings.

Clear lettering such as “Be careful on the way to school!” and corresponding symbols further increase the attention-grabbing effect of reflective films. Adhesive films can also prevent the risk of collisions between birds and the glass surfaces of bus shelters.

Highlights with LED

LED systems for lighting waiting halls and passenger shelters can also increase passenger safety. On the one hand, they provide a feeling of security for all those who don’t like being in the dark – which is probably true for most people. Theft and harassment are thus – if not prevented – at least made more difficult.

The extremely energy-saving yet powerful systems can either be designed as visible luminaires or concealed and integrated into the Shelter system. In the second variant, they indirectly illuminate glass surfaces and printed or etched motifs.

More protection for schoolchildren: Even unlit bus shelters are highly visible in the dark thanks to special reflective films and increase the attention of drivers.