Majority of Pedestrians Hardly Visible in the Dark

With the onset of the dark season, the risk of accidents for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders increases significantly. According to a recent ÖAMTC survey, 71 percent of pedestrians are dressed in dark clothing in the dark - making them difficult to recognize in traffic.

Dark clothing drastically increases accident risk

Between October 1 and 20, 2025, the mobility club observed 10,432 people in all federal states - at intersections, train station forecourts, and in the dark. Only nine percent of pedestrians used reflective materials. Among cyclists, 62 percent were dressed in dark clothing, with a quarter of them traveling without lights. A similar picture was seen among e-scooter users: 27 percent without lights, 60 percent dressed in dark clothing. On a positive note, 20 percent of e-scooter riders wore reflectors or safety vests.

There were also deficiencies with cars: 1.4 percent of vehicles drove without low beam headlights, and in another 3.3 percent, the lighting was at least partially defective.

Young adults particularly often affected

According to Statistics Austria, more than a quarter of all pedestrian accidents occur between November and January. 36 percent of fatal accidents happen in these months. Particularly affected: young people between the ages of 15 and 30. In this age group, 65 percent of accidents in the dark occur – for children and seniors, it is 37 percent each.

Seniors are less frequently involved in accidents (25 percent), but they account for 58 percent of the fatalities. The ÖAMTC sees this as a clear sign of the higher vulnerability of older people.

Visibility Crucial for Safety

Reflective clothing can reduce the risk of accidents in the dark by up to 50 percent. People with reflectors are visible from around 130 meters – those dressed in dark clothing only from about 25 meters. "There is a world of difference between 25 and 130 meters," said ÖAMTC traffic engineer David Nosé. Especially at pedestrian crossings, timely recognition and eye contact are crucial.

Nosé recommends wearing reflective materials at the height of vehicle headlights, and for children, as comprehensively as possible. Additionally, attention should be paid to functioning lighting on bicycles and e-scooters. His appeal: "A bundle of measures is needed – from better street lighting to adjusted speed limits to reflective clothing."

(Red)

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