Jaipur: Jaipur’s rising temperatures have pushed the city’s traffic dept to try a new piece of on-duty gear: reflective-cum-cooling jackets designed to improve both safety and comfort for personnel stationed on busy roads. The dept has procured 100 jackets for traffic officers at the level of sub inspector and assistant sub inspectors, targeting those most exposed to long hours of field duty.The jackets are designed to solve a visibility gap created by standard uniforms after dark. Officers of these level don Khaki uniform and the colour is not at all safe to manage traffic on roads at night. The new vests are fluorescent and reflective, helping motorists spot officials more quickly and reducing the risk of accidents during night deployments.“These reflective vests have dual purposes. Traffic officials wear them during the day as well, as they help keep the body cool,” DCP traffic Yogesh Goyal told TOI.According to officials, the jackets can reduce body temperature by 5–6 degrees Celsius. The initiative comes as Jaipur continues to face intense heat, with temperatures crossing 40°C and peaking at 43.7°C on May 26.The cooling mechanism is simple: dip the jacket in water, squeeze it, and wear it. Officials say the fabric remains dry to the touch while delivering cooling, allowing personnel to stay more comfortable without feeling drenched. “The products are well-researched and tested for safety and performance, ensuring the user’s experience is relaxed and performance oriented,’’ a senior police official said.However, some officers have reported headaches and dehydration, saying the jackets cool only the upper body while the lower body remains exposed to heat.“Not all, but a few officials have raised concerns. We are in talks with the manufacturer to address these issues,” Goyal added.
