World Pedestrian Day, for safe cities
"World Days" generally refer to an event from the past that we recall to celebrate. But the truth is that these days do not always represent something to be celebrated, but instead occasions of awareness.
Today is Pedestrian World Day, and it is not exactly a day to celebrate. It is a day that has its origin in memory of the first recorded pedestrian victim: Bridget Driscoll was run over on August 17, 1897 in London, dying on the spot. We don't usually start our articles on Road Safety with this crudeness. But that is the reality. Since that day, the list of registered deaths by car accidents has unfortunately continued to increase.
The importance of 'celebrating' Pedestrian World Day every day
The objective of Pedestrian World Day is to join efforts to guarantee a much safer traffic for pedestrians, promoting adequate spaces to move around in cities, and remembering the obligations that both drivers and pedestrians have.
Some figures to consider
In the Spanish DGT report for 2019, the number of deaths on the roads was 1,755 people, of which a large part, specifically 53%, were considered vulnerable, that is, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. In addition, the report also reported a 6% increase in deaths in cities, with the vast majority of deaths being over 65 years of age. That said, we insist on the importance of being responsible, whether we are in the 'role' of pedestrian or driver, both for our own safety and that of others.
What to do to be a good pedestrian?
They may seem obvious, but believe us, it never hurts to remember these tips.
- Always cross at the pedestrian crossing.
- Respect traffic lights.
- Always look both ways before crossing, even if the road you are going to cross is one-way.
- Reduce the use of technology on the go. It is advisable to avoid using the mobile phone as it is undoubtedly a great distraction, not only when we are driving but also when we are walking around the city. In addition, the use of headphones is not recommended since the ideal is to have all our senses on the road.
What to do to be a good driver on urban roads?
- Respect the signs and speed limits.
- Respect the cyclists who circulate on the road if there is no bike lane, since they have the same right to circulate on public roads.
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Avoid distractions such as mobile phone use.
Urban Road Safety. What is it?
At Metalesa, we have always been concerned about raising awareness about the dangers on the roads, whether on the road or in urban areas, for this reason, we consider ourselves to be the standard bearers of the Road Safety concept.
And it is that our company philosophy goes beyond designing, manufacturing and installing products for road safety, since we also carry out this work of social awareness. However, it must be admitted that when the word of ‘Road Safety’ is heard, the majority of road safety education comes to mind, focused on safety at the wheel. However, Road Safety encompasses all areas in which any type of urban or inter-urban displacement occurs. In this sense, 'Urban Road Safety' takes on special relevance, which focuses in much greater detail on the particular cases of road safety in the urban environment.
Given that in today's article we are talking about World Pedestrian Day, it is an ideal occasion to discuss the concept of Urban Road Safety, since, although it is not exclusively linked to pedestrian safety, both pursue common objectives.
Urban Road Safety is the set of actions aimed at preventing, controlling and reducing the risk of accidents in the movement of people, whether on foot or by vehicle, within urban centers.
To put Urban Road Safety into practice, more and more cities have chosen to apply urban measures that include the reorganization of urban space and the promotion of the adaptation of user behavior to this new space.
A bit of urban history: The Car Cities
If we look at it, most cities are designed under an urbanization model that generalizes the mobility of private vehicles, and this situation began to occur approximately from the first half of the 20th century.
This fact gave rise to the ‘Car Cities’, cities in which the infrastructures at the service of the circulation of vehicles occupy most of the urban centers, so the chances of suffering accidents while traveling are considerably increased.
However, more and more cities are choosing to reorganize their urban designs and convert urban centers into more pedestrian spaces, and therefore safer in order to ensure Urban Road Safety. For example, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia is now 100% pedestrian after the urban reorganization works that were carried out a few months ago.
Decisions and initiatives of city councils to promote Urban Road Safety
In addition to converting urban centers into pedestrian spaces, municipalities also carry out other measures to guarantee Urban Road Safety:
- Improve the design of the streets and the signage to guarantee the coexistence of all the displacement systems.
- Control and sanction road indiscipline more effectively.
- Consider Urban Road Safety as a public health issue.
- Act in the field of citizen training in Road Safety values.
- Implement monitoring systems to improve the analysis of information on mobility and urban accidents.
Our products to guarantee Urban Road Safety
At Metalesa we like to say that "protection is our goal," and in order to achieve this goal, we take care of designing, manufacturing and installing products that guarantee safety in various fields. In the case of urban Road Safety, our railings are designed to protect pedestrians and to delimit spaces between pedestrian and road areas, among many other applications.
Cyclopedestrian railings
The cyclopeatonal railing is a restraint system for both pedestrians and cyclists who circulate on urban roads, so that it helps to reduce the accident rate on pedestrian or cycling routes. In addition, they adapt perfectly to the aesthetics of the urban area.
Steel railings
Steel railings are also pedestrian restraint systems. At Metalesa we have a wide variety of models capable of integrating perfectly with the landscape, since we have many thermo-lacquered finishes and colors.
Stainless steel railings
Their aesthetic appearance makes them very appropriate to be installed in any type of urban area, guaranteeing the safety of pedestrians. We have a wide catalogue with unique and modern designs, in addition, we can manufacture stainless steel railings with custom designs if the client requires it.
Railings with steel cable
Steel cable railings are one of the most elegant, and of course, safe options to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Railings with perforated sheet
In the same way as the metal railings with steel cable, the railings with perforated sheet also present a very attractive appearance for installation in cities, since they can be manufactured with any perforated design in the material. Depending on the type of perforation, you can create a design that provides safety to the pedestrian without sacrificing aesthetics on the streets. Because ensuring safety does not mean giving up good taste!
The truth is that it is in everyone's hands to be able to reach the goal of achieving a 0% accident rate in cities. Little by little we are taking steps that bring us closer to achieving it, but there is still much to do. From Metalesa, information and awareness articles like the one you just read or through the installation of our products, we try to do our bit. And you, what are you willing to do for your safety and that of those you care about?
If you need a quote for the installation of our products for Urban Road Safety, do not hesitate to contact us. Call 96 088 99 44 or send us an email to metalesa@metalesa.com
How to protect my house from the noise of cars while maintaining the views
Are you staying in a house in a small town on the coast or in the mountains? Do you enjoy views of the sea or nature? If the answer is yes, we can imagine the sensations that have come to mind: calm, disconnection, well-being, happiness ... However, sometimes there are external factors that interrupt this atmosphere of tranquility, such as noise from cars traveling in nearby areas.
It is a shame that the noise pollution caused by traffic interrupts your state of serenity, because excess noise is not only annoying, but is also harmful to health, especially in the face of constant exposure to high noise levels.
At Metalesa we ensure the protection of people, and therefore in this article we bring you the solution to end the noise of cars without giving up wonderful views.
Soundscape and noise pollution
The term 'noise pollution' is likely to be much more familiar to you than 'soundscape', so let's start by explaining the latter.
What is the soundscape?
The Soundscape refers to the set of characteristic sounds of a certain place. That said, there are several types of soundscapes:
- Natural soundscapes: are those that are produced due to the sound of animals, vegetation moving with the wind, sea waves, raindrops ...
- Artificial soundscapes: are those produced by human activities, the use of machinery, traffic ...
In general, natural soundscapes are positive, since they generate a type of noise that is neither annoying nor harmful to humans. However, man-made soundscapes are often the cause of noise pollution, and what is even more serious, noise pollution can eventually take over natural soundscapes.
Given this fact, from Metalesa we recommend installing acoustic screens to eliminate excess noise, and thus restore the natural state of the area in which your home is located.
Acoustic screens to absorb noise
Acoustic screens are made up of panels capable of absorbing or attenuating excess noise. At Metalesa, one of our star products is precisely acoustic screens, which is why we have a wide variety of types and models of acoustic panels.
With the installation of acoustic screens you will be able to live peacefully at home without the annoying noise due to traffic interrupting your tranquility. That said, if what we want is to maintain the views, not all acoustic screens will work for us. Our recommendation is the methacrylate acoustic screen thanks to its transparent panel.
Methacrylate acoustic screen to maintain views
The methacrylate acoustic screens are made of polymethacrylate sheets, and can be colored or colorless, although as a general rule if we want to enjoy the views we will opt for the colorless ones; they can also incorporate different vinyl models. In any case, we always adapt to the needs of each client.
Its height and separation dimensions are calculated based on an acoustic study, the terrain and the action of the wind in the area. Likewise, the acoustic panels can be adapted to different widths of beam profiles.
More advantages of methacrylate acoustic screens
The methacrylate acoustic panels fulfill a double acoustic and aesthetic function, as they guarantee noise absorption while integrating perfectly into the landscape, allowing tenants to enjoy the views around them.
- The methacrylate acoustic screen is easy to install.
- There is the possibility of choosing between various designs of acoustic panels, which give rise to different combinations resulting in mixed shielding.
- Methacrylate acoustic screens are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, such as the action of wind or rain.
- If the customer needs colored acoustic panels, it is possible thanks to the galvanized and thermo-lacquered components of the acoustic panels, in different standard colors from the RAL chart.
- All our acoustic screens, including the methacrylate acoustic screen, have been mechanically tested according to the EN 1794-1 standard.
The methacrylate acoustic screens are the perfect solution to guarantee your well-being in your home, while you have the pleasure of enjoying the landscape that surrounds you. Be it the beach, nature, beautiful views in urban areas ... We all deserve to live in a soundscape in which we can feel comfortable. If you want to end the noise in your house, do not hesitate to contact us by calling 96 088 99 44 or sending an email to metalsa@metalesa.com
This summer, Road Safety on the roads
The time most desired by most has finally arrived, the summer holidays. Heat, beach, disconnection from work and the daily routine ... Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is the usual increase in traffic accidents due to the enormous volume of vehicles moving on the roads.
In addition, this year we are facing a somewhat different summer, as we come from a time marked by mobility restrictions and the health emergency due to COVID-19. For a long time we have had to stay in our regions without the possibility of vacations or travel, so it is natural that with the arrival of good weather there is a significant increase in national travel, and with the need to be extremely careful on the roads.
Road Safety is everyone's business. If we are all aware of the importance of being responsible when driving, we will be able to minimize the risk of serious accidents.
Increased risks on the roads in summer
In addition to the characteristic increase in summer traffic, there are other typical summer factors that pose an added risk on the roads and that must be taken into account.
Caution with heat
In Spain, on the hottest days of summer, the temperature of a car exposed to the sun for a long period of time can exceed 50 degrees, which is a risk when driving. For this reason, before getting in the car and starting the trip, it is recommended to ventilate it by opening windows and doors, turning on the air conditioning and not starting the trip until the interior of the vehicle has acclimatized. If possible, the ideal is to avoid driving in the hottest hours of the day.
Take care of your hydratation and never drink alcohol
Lack of hydration can lead to serious risks while driving. The most common symptoms of dehydration are usually fatigue and drowsiness ... It is recommended not to wait to experience these signs to drink water. Always keep a bottle of water on hand in your vehicle and drink frequently, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty.
It's also a no-brainer, and hundreds of drivers are penalized every day for exceeding the permitted alcohol level behind the wheel. Do not drink and drive!
Food before and during your trip
If we are going to take long trips in summer, it is important to eat light meals. Otherwise, digestive discomfort can occur that can distract us from driving and affect Road Safety, and also cause drowsiness.
Always travel with suitable and comfortable cloting
Beyond driving in loose fitting, comfortable clothing, it is especially important to note that flip flops should not be worn. The risks of driving with this type of footwear are very serious: they can get caught between the pedals, slip ... and prevent reacting in time in the event of an accident.
That sunglasses are never missing
Lack of vision can be one of the main reasons for accident risk. Therefore, it is advisable to wear polarized sunglasses to avoid glare and prevent eye fatigue.
Check your vehicle before and during the journey
It is important to thoroughly check the vehicle before any trip, and especially if it is a long journey. Tires, brakes, check the oil level, the coolant level, check that the lighting devices are working, make sure that the air filter is clean and always wear vests and safety triangles.
Calculate your route previously
Improvisation can be part of the unforgettable trip, but in driving it is not recommended. The ideal is to plan the route to your destination in advance, take into account the stops to rest ... In addition, this way you will avoid being constantly aware of the GPS and you will pay more attention to the road. And of course, the use of mobile phones while driving, unless it is to use it as a passive GPS, is totally prohibited.
Always control your speed
We know, controlling speeding is something very obvious when we go on a trip. But still every day traffic accidents happen precisely due to speeding. Remember, no matter how expert you are at the wheel, extreme caution on the road is a great responsibility that we must all carry out.
Travel accompanied
It is always important to ensure Road Safety, but the commitment is even greater when we transport more people in our vehicle. The co-pilot has to try not to over-entertain the driver to avoid confusion, and in the case of traveling with children, you have to find ways to entertain them using iPads, reading stories ... And of course, it is mandatory to insist that the occupants use the seat belt.
Now you know the most important points to keep in mind when taking a trip during this summer vacation. Today's article we want to serve as a guide that you can always turn to whenever you are going on a road trip. Even so, it is always advisable to visit the DGT website for any notice or news of interest.
At Metalesa, protection is our goal
Our mission is the protection of people. As experts in Road Safety, our activity consists of designing, manufacturing and installing infrastructures specially designed to guarantee the safety of people.
Products for Road Safety on highways
Parapets
Los pretiles para carreteras son sistemas de contención para puentes. En Metalesa disponemos del pretil metálico META13 y el pretil metálico META16, los cuales han sido homologados por la norma UNE EN 1317.
Highway parapets are restraint systems for bridges. At Metalesa we have the META13 metal parapet and the META16 metal parapet, which have been approved by the UNE EN 1317 standard.
Transitions to concrete barriers
Highway transitions are used to link different vehicle restraint systems, such as a parapet and a concrete barrier. Our transitions are homologated by the French standard NF 058.
Impact terminals
They are road safety devices that are placed at the ends of the parapets or containment barriers, as a safe ending element. We have several models of impact terminals, which share a series of characteristics such as the possibility of allowing the connection with a double or triple wave bionde, and that all have been tested according to the European standard prEN 1317-7.
Shock atenuators
Also called shock absorbers, their function is to absorb the impact of the car in the event of a crash. They differ from containment system terminals in that they can be installed in isolation, without being connected to any other system. In addition, in case of impact it is easy to repair.
Having said all this, from Metalesa we want to remember that Security does not go on vacation. Our purpose is to protect society through our products for Road Safety and to educate drivers to have an unforgettable, fun and above all safe vacation. Can you help us achieve this goal?
