Optical Properties of Reflex- Reflectors

Reflex-reflectors are optical systems wherein the incident light striking the surface is redirected back towards the light source and provides brightness of several hundred times that of a white paint. The design features of the optics can result in varying brightness differences depending on the entrance and/or observation angles. Enclosed lens reflectors function when their Front surface is wet as by rain whereas the exposed lens reflector diminishes to an unsatisfactory brightness level under similar conditions.

The Use of Color in Traffic Guidance

Color has been established as a most effective way to code items where fast, accurate selection is desired as well as for communications such as illustrated by the colored signal flags used by ships during naval maneuvers. Experimentation with the color blue for signing and delineation of exit areas from expressways and freeways in Minnesota and Michigan has shown that colorcoding can provide the motorist with desirable cues. Michigan tests showed erratic movements at exiting ramps were reduced approximately 50% for both day and night conditions.