Dog leash reflectors

Velcro leash reflectors

Note: This is a paid review. Read more to learn how you can win a five-pack of leash reflectors.

Last weekend I was driving my car around a corner after dark and a neighbor’s Australian shepherd ran about 10 feet in front of me. I’m thankful I was driving so slowly, because I’m not sure I would’ve seen the dog otherwise. The owner was trailing behind on a retractable leash, totally oblivious to what could’ve happened.

The thing is, I walk my dog Ace around that same corner every day. It’s dark when we head out for our morning walks. It’s dark when I take him out in the evenings. This time of year it’s practically always dark!

Since my dog and I needed something to make ourselves more visible at night, I was happy to test out the Velcro dog leash reflectors from Personal-Reflectors.com. More info here.

How the leash reflectors work

These Velcro leash reflectors are easy to use. They are two-sided, so you literally just open them up and close them over your dog’s leash or collar. It takes a whole two seconds.

As with any Velcro, there is a rough side and a fuzzy side. The product is made with reflective material approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to Gary Castelle, who makes and sells the reflectors.

The reflectors can be placed over any type of strap or pole such as:

[check_list]

• a backpack strap
• a purse strap
• hooded sweatshirt strings
• headphones
• a baseball hat
• an umbrella pole

[/check_list]

You can also stick the “hook” side of the Velcro to certain types of material such as sweaters or wool hats. They’d be great for anyone who’s out and about in the dark, regardless of whether or not a dog tags along. (Runners, I’m talking to you!)

We need to be seen!

The National Safety Council reported that 5,300 pedestrians died in 2009 as a result of being struck by motor vehicles. Another 120,000 pedestrians received “medically consulted injuries” when hit by vehicles that year [1].

While we can’t control distracted drivers, we do have some control over making ourselves more visible. We can also make our children and our pets more visible.

Runners

I’m a runner, and most of my runs take place early in the morning. Federal officials do not track car accidents specifically related to pedestrians who are runners, according to an article by Liz Robbins in Runner’s World Magazine [2]. However, through a search of news reports, the magazine found that nearly 20 runners had been killed in the United States by cars or trucks in the first 10 months of 2009.

Kids

According to an article by Rick Newman for Parents Magazine [3], nearly 400 kids age 15 and under are hit and killed by automobiles each year. If I were a parent, I would stick a few of these reflectors to my kid’s backpack, coat and hat.

Dogs

As many as 1.2 million dogs are hit on U.S. roads each year, according to AnimalPeopleNews.org [4]. Most of these dogs are hit when they’re chasing a ball or a small animal.

While these accidents are obviously not all linked to visibility after dark, it is certainly a factor at times. Velcro reflectors from Personal-Reflectors.com are one simple, affordable way to make your child, yourself and your dog more visible to drivers.

Why not just buy a reflective leash?

You could, but the great thing about these Velcro leash reflectors is they work on any type of dog leash.

I’m set in my ways, and I’ve used the same 6-foot leather leash since I was 14 years old (I’m now 30). I’m just not going to change. No matter what type of leash you prefer, you can stick these reflectors over it and call it good. Even if you insist on using a retractable leash, you can stick the reflectors to the end that’s closest to your dog.

How to order the leash reflectors

Click here for ordering information

The Velcro leash reflectors from Personal-Reflectors.com are available online, and there is free shipping on all U.S. orders. If you don’t like the reflectors, you can return them for a full refund for up to 60 days. Ordering options include:

• 2-sided round Velcro reflectors – $2 each
• 2-sided rectangular Velcro reflectors – $3 each
• strap reflectors – 2 for $5.99
• 10-pack of Velcro reflectors – $19.99

Reflectors come in red, white and yellow, and custom printing and shapes are also available. You may not need the variety pack, but I recommend you order at least four reflectors. I received four reflectors for this review, and I stuck three to my dog’s leash and one to my backpack.

What’s great about the leash reflectors?

[check_list]

• They’re an affordable solution to a common problem
• The reflectors are waterproof and easy to clean – I tested them in the rain
• You don’t have to turn them on or off – no batteries
• They won’t fall off – I used them while running
• They’re lightweight and won’t weigh down the leash
• The reflectors are guaranteed to last 7 years

[/check_list]

What’s not so good?

[delete_list]

• They look a bit tacky – I take them off my dog’s leash during the day
• Reflectors won’t increase your visibility until headlights or other lights shine on them

[/delete_list]

Win five FREE personal reflectors

If you would like a chance to win a five-pack of personal reflectors, leave a comment below explaining why you or your dog could really benefit from this product. I’ll choose a winner at random on Nov. 7. Edit: And the winner is Jessica!

Visit Personal-Reflectors.com for more information. Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section, and I’ll make sure to get them answered for you. This last image is from Personal-Reflectors.com.

Citations

1. “Injury Facts 2011 Edition.” National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/Documents/Injury_Facts/Injury_Facts_2011_w.pdf

2. Robbins, Liz. “Collision Course”: Runner’s World Magazine. Dec. 2009. http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/collision-course?page=single

3. Newman, Rick. “Car Safety Facts and Mistakes”: Parenting Magazine, published on Parents.com. http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/car/car-safety-facts-and-mistakes/

4. Clifton, Merritt. “Roadkill avoidance tips from Animal People that may save your life too!”: Animal People Online. 1992-2006. http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/IMPORTANT_MATS/roadkillTips1104.htm