Spring Road Work Requires High-Viz Clothing that Works Around the Clock

Spring is upon us - it's time for longer days, flowers in bloom, and repairing all that road damage from a long winter's salting and plowing. For those who work on the roads, this can be tricky business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common cause of fatal occupational injuries at road construction sites is a worker being struck by a vehicle or other mobile equipment. And because spring road work often means working from daylight into darkness, it can be doubly dangerous. Fortunately, the first and most effective line of defense in reducing accidents, both day and night, is the use of the proper ANSI Class high visibility clothing.

There are two critical components that make high-visibility garments so effective in both daylight and at night time. The background fabric, made of highly fluorescent yellow-green or highly fluorescent orange-red, makes the wearer more visible in daylight/twilight hours. While at night, the retroreflective tape acts to make the wearer more visible by reflecting light from motorist's headlights. Recent research has shown that high visibility reflective on the limbs is the most effective way to enhance nighttime conspicuity.

Securing the garment in front ensures visibility from 360 degrees so it is important to wear the garment closed. It is also crucial to maintain the garment's optimal visibility by keeping it clean and/or replacing the item if it is faded from extended wear or washing.