reflective chevron conspicuity on fire truck

Summary of Findings – USFA IFSTA Conspicuity Study

Overview of the Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study by the US Fire Administration and the International Fire Service Training Association Introduction The safety of first responders and other public servants operating on roadways is of utmost importance. Research shows that more law enforcement officers have died in traffic-related incidents than from any other cause, …

Darmstadt University of Technology Reflective Tape Study

Enhancing Road Safety with Reflective Conspicuity Markings: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction Reflective conspicuity markings, and reflective contour markings, play a pivotal role in enhancing vehicle visibility, particularly for large commercial vehicles. These markings, made from retroreflective materials, significantly improve the safety of vehicles by making them more visible to other drivers, especially at night and in adverse weather conditions. This article explores the critical role …

History of Truck Conspicuity DOT C2

The Evolution of FMVSS 108 and DOT C2 Conspicuity Requirements: A Comprehensive History

Introduction – The Beginning of Modern Day Reflective Conspicuity Efforts The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) were established to ensure safety in the design, construction, performance, and durability of motor vehicles. FMVSS No. 108, specifically addressing “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment,” plays a crucial role in enhancing vehicle visibility and preventing accidents. One …

decline of accidents due to reflective tape

The Decline of Accidents Due to Reflective Conspicuity on Large Trucks

In December 1992, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 was updated to require conspicuity treatments on all heavy trailers produced after December 1, 1993. This regulation was later expanded to include tractors and older trailers, aiming for full compliance of all tractors and semitrailers on U.S. roads by June 1, 2009. To evaluate …

perimeter contour reflective conspicuity

The Effectiveness of Retro-Reflective Tape at the Rear of Heavy Trucks: Enhancing Visibility and Reducing Rear-End Collisions

Introduction This article is a synopsis of a study conducted by the IATSS (International Association of Traffic and Safety Studies)  The study, conducted in 2019, was structured to determine how reflective tape patterns and color affect vehicle visibility as it pertains to approaching drivers.  Focus was given to rear end collisions, however, the study is also relevant …

fema study vehicle conspicuity collision reduction

FEMA Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study – Effectiveness of Reflective Tapes on Vehicles

The following report by FEMA studies the visibility of emergency vehicles and how reflective conspicuity can improve this characteristic and reduce accidents. The report also makes recommendations for visibility improvement. The information in this guide is also very applicable to other types of heavy vehicles such as fleet vehicles, utility vehicles, work trucks, large vans, …

reflective conspicuity effectiveness studies

The Safety Benefits of Conspicuity Tape: Independent Studies Proving Collision Reduction

Conspicuity tape, known for enhancing the visibility of vehicles, has been extensively studied for its safety benefits. These global studies have established the substantial impact that reflective tape can have on reducing accidents, particularly during low-light conditions. All studies report a substantial benefit from the addition of reflective conspicuity tapes or panels to trucks or …

3M 983 FRA reflective tape for rail cars

Enhancing Safety and Visibility: The Role of 3M FRA Reflective Tape on Rail Cars

In the transportation industry, safety is paramount, particularly in rail transport where visibility can be the difference between a normal day and a catastrophic event. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the United States mandates certain safety measures to enhance the visibility of rail cars. One such measure is the application of reflective tape, a …

reducing rear end collisions with reflective tape

Reducing Rear End Collisions

Reflective tape plays a crucial role in reducing rear-end collisions by increasing the visibility of vehicles, especially those that make frequent stops in or near moving traffic. By enhancing vehicle conspicuity, reflective tape provides other drivers with more reaction time, allowing them to notice and react more effectively to the presence of the vehicle ahead. …