Truck Conspicuity and Lighting Display (Being Conspicuous)

During the daytime, trucks can be easily seen; they are hard to be spotted at night. Research indicates that the drivers can gauge the speed and distance of the truck more accurately when the large or medium trucks are easily visible. They can react sooner if necessary. Federal studies indicate that enhancing the conspicuity of trailers reduced the incidence of crashes at night on unlit roads in which trailers were hit from the side or rear.

A new NHTSA study confirmed reflective tape on big trucks reduces crashes and fatalities. The study estimates that fully-implemented federal visibility requirements for heavy trailers will prevent 7,800 crashes annually. The study also estimates that 191 to 350 fatalities per year will be prevented, along with 3,100 to 5,000 injuries, once all heavy trailers in the U.S. fleet have been equipped with highly reflective tape. According to this study, reflective tape reduces side and rear crashes into heavy trailers, particularly at night when even a vigilant motorist might not see an untreated trailer in time for a crash. The tape reduces side and rear impacts into heavy trailers by 29 percent in the dark.

NHTSA requires all heavy trailers manufactured after November 1993 to be equipped with highly reflective tape or its equivalent in the form of reflectors. In March 1999, the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Motor Carriers (now the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) required that the entire on-the-road fleet of heavy trailers be so equipped by June 1, 2001.

Improvements to truck cab and trailer lighting and reflectivity will increase their visibility and prevent crashes by providing early detection and recognition of trucks by motorists

If you are injured or were involved in a trucking accident due to poor conspicuity, contact us. The truck owner or the driver could be liable for not taking due care or following the law.