A total of 38 students in Hulshout, 19 in Houtvenne, and 23 in Westmeerbeek will receive a new vest. Mayor Elien Bergmans and Youth Councillor Karolien Laeremans personally handed out the vests on Wednesday, October 28.
The choice for the fourth grade is deliberate. Many children receive a high-visibility vest from their school at a young age, but outgrow it within a few years. A new, properly fitting vest ensures they remain visible throughout the remainder of their primary school education.
With the onset of winter time and earlier sunsets, visibility becomes crucial. High-visibility vests help children stand out to drivers, which is essential in low light and adverse weather conditions. This action aligns with the annual 'Helm Op Fluo Top' campaign, which encourages students to wear bicycle helmets and fluorescent clothing, set to launch in schools after the autumn break.
The municipal government of Hulshout plans to repeat this distribution annually, ensuring future fourth-graders also receive new vests to maintain their visibility on the road.
