MODERN ROAD SIGN SYSTEM AND TRAFFIC SAFETY
Increasing the luminosity of traffic signs by coating them with a reflective material is discussed as the most simple and practical way to provide nighttime visibility of signs in their exact form and colors. Reflective signs, rather than scattering the light from a headlight beam, return it back to the driver's eyes; painted or enameled signs, so-called diffusing reflectors, disperse the beam and produce poor nighttime luminosity. A new reflective film is described which contains minute spherical lenses (approximately 60 million/sq. m.) placed in air-filled capsules and having a reflective power three to four times higher than its predecessor. Although only 0.2 mm. in thickness, this film is actually a high-precision optical instrument comprised of several layers (metallic reflector, lenses, pigments, transparent plastic, and external protective layer). Signs covered with this high-intensity film have a life expectancy of ten years. With low beams, the luminescence of the signs is equal to 6 to 10 candles/ sq. m.; with high beams, this figure exceeds 300. The signs also reflect the light at an incident angle of up to 45 degrees, and are distinctly visible against illuminated backgrounds. For the horizontal sign marking system (i.e. on the road surface), reflective paints and adhesive strips of Scotchlite and Stamark are mentioned. Other applications of reflective materials are outlined: license plates; rear-end marking of heavy trucks, public works vehicles, and horse-drawn vehicles; clothing of pedestrians and people working on the road (e.g. police, construction and maintenance workers); and roadside obstacles (e.g. bridge abutments) and road hazards (e.g. sharp curves).
-
Supplemental Notes:
- Reference copy only available at NHTSA.
-
Corporate Authors:
525 School Street, SW
Washington, DC United States 20024 -
Authors:
- Dutruit, M
- Publication Date: 1980
Media Info
- Pagination: 10 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Hazards; High beamed headlamps; Low beamed headlamps; Luminosity factor; Night visibility; Obstructions (Navigation); Protective clothing; Reflectorized materials; Reflectorized paint; Traffic safety; Traffic signs
- Old TRIS Terms: High beamed headlights; Low beamed headlights; Luminosity
- Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00385632
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 100
- Files: HSL, USDOT
- Created Date: Jun 28 1984 12:00AM