Conspicuity Issues
It is nearly impossible for drivers to avoid lurking dangers in the dark that they cannot see. At night, if a tractor-trailer is not properly illuminated, even the best drivers cannot see they are coming up on a tractor-trailer until it is too late.
When crashes occur for this reason, they are referred to as “conspicuity-related collisions,” which are especially deadly. Conspicuity refers to a driver’s ability to perceive, identify and appreciate a truck’s position and speed in the roadway, particularly at night. Conspicuity-related collisions occur because of trucking companies’ negligence, such as:
- Failing to follow conspicuity standards, such as adding reflective tape or other materials to their trucks.
- Allowing dirt and mud to accumulate on reflective materials, diminishing its effectiveness.
- Using corrosive chemicals to wash the reflective tape, causing it to fade, wear and lost is reflectivity.
