reflective panel chevron effectiveness comparison

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

Introduction This information in this article is derived in part from a study conducted by the IATSS (International Association of Traffic and Safety Studies). The studies goal was to determine how varying reflective tape patterns and colors, as well as tape widths affect vehicle visibility for approaching drivers. While the primary focus was on rear-end …

ansi isea standards

The Federal Highway Worker Visibility Rule – ANSI/ISEA 107-2020

The Federal Highway Worker Visibility Rule is a regulation implemented by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure the safety of highway workers. This rule, found in 23 CFR Part 634, mandates that all workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed to traffic or construction equipment must wear high-visibility safety apparel. …

Definition of Chromaticity of Retro Reflective Sheeting / Tape

The Science of Color as it Pertains to Retro Reflective Signs Color is a universal language. At traffic lights across the country and around the world, drivers understand to stop on red and to go on green. For signs, drivers recognize yellow as caution, red as stop, white as the speed limit, and green as …

Definition of Entrance and Observation Angles for Retro Reflective Tape (sheeting)

Technical data sheets on retro reflective tape often reference the terms “Entrance Angle” and “Observation Angle”.  Normally something to the effect of – (Observation Angle : .20 / Entrance Angle : -4) or (Observation Angle – .50 / Entrance Angle : 30), where the observation metric is normally very small, and the entrance metric being …

retro reflective sign sheeting

Reflective Tape Types – ASTM D4956

11 Reflective Tape Types – (www.tapedealer.com) When it comes to retro-reflective films, a common misunderstanding is that Type 1 through Type 11 designations represent the brightness of the tape from lowest to highest.  While this is true to an extent, the type, (1-11) actually applies to the application of each tape in road way signs …

history road signs

History (Invention) of Reflective Traffic Signs

The Beginning of Reflective Signs – (www.tapedealer.com) The history of reflective elements on signage began with the creation of the Cataphote or glass cats eye by an inventor named Percy Shaw. The little glass cataphotes were used in the center of roadways, and also on signs themselves. Up until this time, signs were painted in …

Who Invented Retro Reflective Paints & Coatings?

History of Reflective Paint – (www.tapedealer.com) Who actually invented reflective paint? The following outlines the invention and advancement of ready mixed Retro Reflective Coatings (also known as Reflective Paints) from their inception until now.   Ready mixed simply means that the reflective glass spheres are already in the paint mix, making the application a one …

FRA 224 Railcar Reflective Marking Regulations Requirements

FRA 224 Specifications for Rail Cars – (www.tapedealer.com) Note – this is a synopsis of the FRA 224 regulation. For specific requirements on markings for rail cars, the full regulation should be referenced. There is much more information in the full text than is in this article. Full regulation link. The FRA 224 regulations for …

Yellow High Intensity Reflective Tape For New York City Restaurant Street Seating

Reflective Tape for New York Restaurants – (www.tapedealer.com) In an effort to slow the spread of COVID 19, many cities have implemented regulations designed to allow people to distance themselves from each other while at the same time continue to carry out their normal day to day activities. One of these activities is dining out. …

NFPA 1917 – Ambulance Reflective Striping

Reflective Chevron Stripes for Ambulances – (www.tapedealer.com) In 2013 the NFPA officially added Chevron Striping guidelines to their recommendations for Ambulances operating in the US. The guidelines are contained within the NFPA 1917 manual. The recommendations are basically a cut and paste from their NFPA 1901 manual for Chevron Striping for Fire Apparatus made official …