Invisible on the Road: How Reflective Clothing Exposes Safety Blind Spots for Pedestrians

Pedestrian Safety: The Invisible Reflective Strips

The humble reflective vest, a staple of roadworkers, first responders, and enthusiasts alike, might not be doing its job to protect its wearer from automated driving systems. In a recent report, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights the limitations of these systems, which are designed to detect pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.

IIHS Tests Revealed Shocking Results

In a series of tests, the IIHS tested three different driver aid suites – Honda, Mazda, and Subaru – using various outfits and dummy pedestrians. The results were unsettling. While most pedestrians are fatally injured at night, the onboard pedestrian safety systems struggled to detect the dummies, even in well-lit conditions.

The Forester’s Exception

The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, performed impressively, detecting the dummies in almost all tests. Its Eyesight system, which uses a combination of cameras and sensors, seemed to be less susceptible to the limitations of the reflective strips.

The Worrying Blind Spot

But why did some systems struggle more than others? IIHS President David Harkey calls it a "worrying blind spot." It’s unclear why Honda and Mazda’s systems had trouble identifying pedestrians wearing reflective clothing. The issue raises concerns about how many other systems might be vulnerable to this issue.

Wear Something Bright

So, what can pedestrians do to stay safe? IIHS recommends wearing clothing that is visible to human eyes, as automated systems are not always effective. It’s a simple but crucial step towards reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Read the Full Report

For a detailed breakdown of the IIHS tests and their findings, head to our full report.

[Image: An illustration of the IIHS testing setup]

[Test Results]