Maximizing the Conspicuity of Maintenance Vehicles: Synthesis Report

Maximizing the conspicuity of state department of transportation (DOT) fleet vehicles and equipment used for summer and winter maintenance is expected to improve highway safety and increase mobility for both the motoring public and the vehicle or equipment operator.

This synthesis sought to build on the October 2015 Clear Roads report Use of Equipment Lighting During Snowplow Operations. A review of domestic and international research and other relevant resources gathered information about the lighting, paint colors and retroreflective taping patterns used to enhance the conspicuity of state DOT maintenance vehicles and equipment. The literature search also sought information about the practices used to enhance the conspicuity of vehicles used at airports, for emergency purposes and by law enforcement, and investigated how lighting, color and retroreflective markings can improve general vehicle conspicuity. The report concludes with a brief examination of the use of high-visibility garments to improve pedestrian and worker safety.