Citation

Burg A, Beers J. J. Saf. Res. 1978; 10(2): 69-77.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to test the relative effectiveness of prismatic retro reflectors and retroreflective sidewall tires in increasing the nighttime conspicuity of bicycles and motorcycles. Peer detection distances were primarily dependent upon the absolute luminescence values of the stimulus objects (reflectors or tires). Reflective sidewall tires, however, were highly superior to prismatic reflectors in aiding recognition of a bicycle or motorcycle in a simulated rural intersection with common nighttime visual clutter and also were of greater value in identifying the direction of movement of these vehicles. The findings suggest that standard amber and red reflectors on bicycles and motorcycles are inadequate to provide an oncoming motorist with a safe stopping distance, and that shaped queues can greatly enhance luminance in providing adequate advanced detection and recognition.