Centre County and the counties around us are well into the public service season.  Though much of our service will place us on trails in unimproved areas we are often on roads where runners, bicyclists, and/or motor vehicles are operating.  This places us at a risk of being struck by one or more of the above.  As a First Responder I monitor a Facebook Group related to Traffic Incident Management. The number of first responders struck and killed on our highways is simply appalling.

I know, I know, we are not usually on interstates or other high speed roads.  We are however on roads and trails where visibility would help prevent any kind of a crash.  Because of that I recommend that amateur radio operators participating in the field wear some kind of garment that increases visibility and identification.  The ARRL markets a yellow reflective vest on their website store.  It is moderately priced and marked with the ARES logo on the front an “Amateur Radio Emergency Communications” on the back.  I have one and use it.  If you don’t want to purchase from the ARRL many local retailers have similar vests available that are also moderately priced.  Although I recommend highway yellow blaze orange is equally effective.  A byproduct of this is ready identification as event staff should someone have questions or want to report a problem.

Some hams have said a vest makes them look silly.  I don’t think that’s the case but I’ll risk being a little silly if it increases visibility, safety, and effectiveness.

“Be careful out there.”

Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
ARRL EC Centre County
ACS Officer Centre County