For joggers and bikers, sunset is a popular time to hit the pavement. However, many understand how important it is to see and be seen on the roadways.
One West Michigan man is making it his business to light up the streets. Gary Kowalczyk brightens when he talks about his company.
"It's a lighted vest on steroids," Kowalczyk said. "LED light vests, has a pure and simple mission statement -- help people save their lives."
He made one for himself, years ago.
"The local law enforcement, pulled me over so many times and asked me where I got it so I started selling them upon their request because they basically said I can save lives," Kowalczyk said.
So in 2012, he started selling them.
"I sell right now to the military, to the Navy, and to the Air Force -- they tell me every time they buy it that it's the brightest thing on the market," Kowalczyk said.
They're made right here in West Michigan, all in an effort to keep runners and bikers safe.
"They're in black 99 percent of the time, they think that they can see the cars so they don't have to worry about it," Kowalczyk said.
But the 24 LED lights make seeing and being seen, much easier.
"When I run the Grand Rapids bridge to bridge course from Grandville to the Blue Bridge, pedestrian bridge, the police officer told me he could watch me cross the bridge three miles down the river in the winter time," Kowalczyk said.
All while not impairing the drivers on the road.
"It's basically a headlight design so I have enough light to produce in front of me, but it's set up with the light bezels to keep the light out of the faces of both the wearer and the oncoming traffic," Kowalczyk said.
The front and back lighting is visible for up to three miles.
"When you don't need path lighting, blinking is a lot more visible to oncoming traffic," Kowalczyk said.
It's also a popular choice for construction workers.
"Comes in different sizes. It has all the features and functions of the LED vest," Kowalczyk said.
He ships worldwide, with his customers from the United States to some in Australia and Belgium.
The vests come with a charging cable which will light up green when it's ready for use. Visit the LED Light Vest website for more information.
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