Retro-Reflectors for Enhanced Hi-Vis

One of the most important aspects of high-visibility safety apparel is the “Retro-reflective” tape. Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of Mythbusters define the difference between reflectivity and retro-reflectivity while also debunking the myth that the moon landing was staged.

Wikipedia describes it this way: A retro-reflector (sometimes called a retroflector or cataphote) is a device or surface that reflects light back to its source with a minimum scattering of light. An electromagnetic wave front is reflected back along a vector that is parallel to but opposite in direction from the wave's source. The device or surface's angle of incidence is greater than zero. This is unlike a planar mirror, which does this only if the mirror is exactly perpendicular to the wave front, having a zero angle of incidence.

other applications and/or places you'll find retro-reflectors include:
- cat's eyes
- bicycles reflectors
- raised pavement markers
- traffic signs
- safety and emergency apparel and gear including lifeboats

3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material is recognized as the leading high performance retro-reflective material for enhancing worker visibility. You can find more information about this material at 3M.

Visit Hi Vis Supply for all of your hi visibility needs including all classes of safety vests with retro-reflective tape for superior safety.

Hi Vis Safety and "Move Over, America" Laws

Police officers, firefighters and EMT's put their lives on the line every day in an attempt to keep civilians safe and out of harm's way. They are sworn to "Serve and Protect" - so shouldn't they garner the same honor and respect from us?

Unfortunately, out of ignorance mostly, we civilians often act in a dangerous manner, especially while driving. The chart below shows that although 40 states have "Move Over" laws, laws that require drivers to change lanes for the safety of public servants working on the side of the road, more than 10 police officers have been struck and killed over the past 12 years.

According to a national poll by Mason Dixon Polling & Research, sponsored by the National Safety Commission:

• 71 percent of Americans have not heard of “Move Over” laws;
• 86 percent support enacting “Move Over” laws in all 50 states; and
• 90 percent believe traffic stops and roadside emergencies are dangerous for law enforcement and first responders

"Move Over, America" is a partnership originally founded in 2007 by the National Safety Commission, the National Sheriffs' Association and the National Association of Police Organizations. Most recently, the partnership has also received the full support of the American Association of State Troopers. The campaign is the first nationally coordinated effort to educate Americans about "Move Over" laws and how they help protect the law enforcement officers who risk their lives protecting the public.

Hi Vis Supply is dedicated to promoting awareness about the dangers of roadside and highway work and carries a wide array of safety vests and accessories to keep your employees safe in dangerous places.