About Us
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that on average, a pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes in this country. In 2017, there was an additional 783 bicyclist deaths.
In all, more than 6,000 pedestrians were killed near America's roadways in 2018 alone. That doesn't include pedestrians struck and injured by vehicles, most of which are never reported.
An evening stroll, walking your dogs, jogging, running or biking can be a potentially dangerous event.
Angel Vests™ provide a good first step to safety. These white, high visibility, reflective white vests alerts drivers that pedestrians are on the road. Safety Vests are required for highway workers and rescue personnel for good reason. Reflective vests help protect these workers from injury by drivers.
At Angel Vests our #1 priority is to help prevent accidents and save the lives of walkers, runners, cyclists and others from roadside accidents with high visibility, white reflective vests, dog vests and baseball hats.
Co-founders Frank and Sandy Klim designed Angel Vests specifically for pedestrians. Frank Klim was 12 years old when he was hit by a car while bicycling to a friend's house. The driver told the police, "I just didn't see him." This is an all too common theme when accidents occur.
Angel Vests provide an alternative to commercial yellow and orange vests by offering affordable and stylish white, high visibility vests. The reflective strips glow brightly at night, but the vests are also effective during daytime hours.
Pedestrian use of “high-vis” vests is commonplace in Europe and around the world. Several countries now require motorist to carry hi-vis vests in their cars in the event of a breakdown or flat tire. Our goal is to create a safer culture for pedestrians by making them more visible to motorists.
Angel Vests are specifically designed in white to alert drivers there are pedestrians, walkers, joggers and cyclists on the road for leisure. Orange or yellow vests denotes construction or other roadside workers. Motorists should always drive cautiously whenever they seen any type of hi-vis vest.
The goal of Angel Vests is to help prevent injuries or deaths due to vehicle related accidents. It’s that simple.
The NHTSA Provides Additional Safety Tips for Pedestrians.
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgement.
The NHTSA Also Provides Safety Tips for Bicyclists.
- Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike.
- Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work.
- Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor).
- Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
- Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
- Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
- Plan your route—if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.