Fluorescent and Reflective – The two materials that get you noticed.
How they work. Fluorescent material works outdoors in the daylight and is essential in poor daylight or dusk. It reacts to the ultra-violet rays in sunlight, which make it glare. Fluorescent materials usually come in orange yellow or lime green.
Reflective materials work only at night and reflect the light straight back to the driver. Thousands of tiny beads in the material act like cats eyes on the road.
To be totally safe, consider clothing items which combine elements of both fluorescent and reflective material. They enable you to be seen all around the clock. Remember – fluorescent for day, reflective for night. Knowing the difference could be a matter of life or death.
If you do not possess such material, wear something white, bright or colourful. Going out at night in dark clothing can put your safety at risk.
Advice for drivers
Be alert to other road users such as people in a hurry, young children, mothers with toddlers or elderly shoppers.
Remember they may not see you, so slow right down, particularly at junctions where pedestrians cross. You should use your lights at night or in poor visibility. Remember: See and be Seen.
Advice for pedestrians
Don’t walk into danger, be Safe be Seen by letting others know you’re there. Remember – fluorescent by day – reflective by night or always wear or carry something white, bright or colourful.
School uniforms are traditionally dark. Wearing reflective/fluorescent strips, arm bands or attaching reflective badges to school bags is an ideal way of enabling other road users to see you. Some shoes also incorporate flashing lights as an added safety feature.
Advice for cyclists
Cyclists are particularly at risk on roundabouts and at cross roads, so don’t be an accident victim, be wise and survive. Be Safe – be Seen by wearing relective/fluorescent tabards or a Sam Brown belt (available for purchase from the Road Safety Centre). Remember – fluorescent by day – reflective by night or wear something white, bright or colourful.
At night cyclists should use a white light at the front and a red light and red reflector at the rear. Consider fitting spoke reflectors, reflective pedals, tyres and cycle spacers to your bike. Protect yourself by cleaning the front and rear lights and reflectors before you set off. If you carry a rucksack on your back, attach fluorescent/reflective strips to the canvas to enable others to see you more clearly.
Advice for motorcyclists
Day or night, always use your headlights. Wearing a reflective/fluorescent jacket, tabard or Sam Brown belt helps others to see you more clearly. Watch your speed during the hours or darkness, dusk or in poor visibility. Expect the unexpected and you’ll guarantee yourself no nasty surprises. Remember – fluorescent by day – reflective by night or always wear something white, bright or colourful.
A range of low-cost reflective/fluorescent armbands
The risk of being injured on the roads could be reduced if road users wore high visibility clothing when walking, cycling and riding a motorbike or horse. The Road Safety Centre is operating a Be Safe – Be Seen scheme which offers a range of low-cost reflective/fluorescent armbands, Sam Brown belts and tabards for children and adults.
- Reflective/fluorescent armbands £1.00 pair.
- Sam Brown belts/sash (Adult) £6.00 each.
- Sam Brown belts/Sash (Child) £6.00 each.
- Reflective/fluorescent tabard/waistcoat (Adult) £6.00 each.
- Reflective/fluorescent tabard/waistcoat (Child) £5.00 each.
All items are ONLY available to residents in Cardiff and should be collected from the Road Safety Centre. All items are subject to availability and price may alter.
A range of reflective/fluorescent products can also be purchased from the following website links.