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They are different types of retro-reflective material but this article will single out the diamond, honeycomb and grades.
The two have a certain chromaticity and at law are the legally accepted retro-reflectors.
Statutory Instrument 154 of 2010 emphasizes that in terms of the regulations, all retro-reflectors required to be fitted must be of the honeycomb grade (high intensity) or diamond grade.
A chromaticity chart is provided in the Third Schedule. It is therefore an offence to fit retro-reflectors which are not stated therein.
Where an advert is fixed onto a vehicle and is partially or totally comprised of reflective material, such material shall have less reflectivity than that of the honeycomb grade or diamond grade of retro-reflectors.
This should be clearly spelt out by the vehicle owner to the advertising agent.
Advertising agencies have a moral obligation to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Statutory Instrument on “Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations” in current use.
This article will look at general requirements for retro-reflectors, and retro-reflectors for pedal cycles.
General requirements
Section 32(1) (b) states that every retro-reflector fitted on a vehicle or pedal cycle shall be circular, rectangular or triangular in shape. Circular-shaped reflectors must have a diameter of at least 60mm.
Rectangular/triangular-shaped ones must have an area of not less than 3 000m² and a height of not less than 50mm.
In addition to the above, the fitted retro-reflector must have a mark or marks certifying that such reflective materials meet the legal specifications which must be acceptable to the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.
It is an offence to affix retro reflective material which has any word or symbol or figure although the retro-reflector may incorporate the manufacturer’s symbols, figures and standard markings.
The prescribed height of every retro reflector shall be not lower than 300mm and not higher than 1,2m from the ground measured to the centre of the retro-reflector.
However, if the structure of the vehicle makes it impossible to fit the retro-reflectors on the sides, front or rear thereof a vehicle, at the prescribed height, it shall be fitted as near as possible to such height. It is illegal to fit the retro-reflector in a stylish manner as section 32(3) (a) prescribes that the retro- reflector shall be in a vertical position and face squarely to the front, rear or sides in respect of white, red and amber retro reflectors respectively.
The retro-reflectors must be white on the front, red at the back and amber on the sides unless it is another legal requirement such as the chevron pattern requirement on heavy vehicles fitted in terms of Section 37 of Statutory Instrument 154 of 2010.
The colour codes shall also not apply in respect of a registration plate, pedals or pedal arms of a pedal cycle which may be equipped with amber retro-reflectors.
Retro-reflectors pedal cycles
A pedal cycle used on any road in Zimbabwe is required to have two white retro- reflectors to the front of the cycle and two red retro reflectors fixed to the rear of any goods container of any part forming part of or attached to the cycle.
If the pedal cycle has no rear mudguard the retro reflector shall be fitted to the left and right hand side fork midway between the wheel hub and the highest point of the fork or centrally on the frame below the saddle.
Additional amber retro-reflectors may be fitted on the pedals or to the spokes of the wheels of any pedal cycle.
However, pedal cyclists where applicable shall not withstand Section 33 (1) (a) which makes it mandatory to fix a red retro-reflector so positioned that the lower edge of the mudguard and lower edge of the reflector correspond. The retro-reflector must be visible from the rear.
Conclusion
Traffic safety authorities need not emphasise the need to get maximum visibility of other vehicles/cycles and the one you are using as night driving proves to be difficult when visibility is limited.
A vehicle with reflectors of a given minimum coefficient of retro-reflection stated in S.I. 154 of 2010 is easy to see and also to be seen. The retro reflectors ensure that the reflection makes your vehicle visible at a safe distance.
Motorists who have retro reflectors not of the diamond or honeycomb type (High Intensity Grade) grade are advised to replace them not only as a legal requirement but also because it is a safety requirement. “Together we can save millions of lives.”
Our next instalment will look at retro- reflectors for animal-drawn vehicles, motor cycles, commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles and those not in the above stated categories.
The writer, Ernest Muchena, is a defensive driving expert who is employed by Traffic Safety’ Council of Zimbabwe as its Product Development and Marketing Manager and is contactable on [email protected] or [email protected] mobile 0772 110 898.
Online Reporter