There are several causes of truck accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates retro reflective tape be installed on all semi-trucks and big rigs in an effort to reduce these collisions and improve driver safety. Any trailer weighing more than 4,536 kg needs to have the warning reflective tape applied to the bottom and sides. This makes the trailers more noticeable, particularly at dusk and at night.

Retro Reflective Tape Prevents Truck Accidents

If a driver doesn't notice another vehicle until the very last second, their ability to react quickly may be severely limited. Without retro-reflective tape, trailers are frequently so difficult to see that it may be impossible to avoid a collision if a driver inadvertently gets too close. In contrast, other cars have headlights, are easier to spot, and can be avoided with quick manoeuvres.

In fact, it has been demonstrated that the red and white reflective tape is effective in lowering the number of accidents brought on by collisions with truck trailers. The high visibility tape goal is to increase your visibility so that other drivers can use the proper following distance or speed. Without reflective tape, the majority of caravan bodies would be virtually invisible at night, which would have disastrous effects.

Consider the following statistics on retro-reflective tape:

1、Estimated to prevent 7,800 crashes every year
2、Saves up to 350 lives on a yearly basis
3、Prevents close to 5,000 traffic-related injuries

With proper visibility, drivers can avoid costly and devastating collisions with large trucks. Reflective radium tape is truly making a major difference, saving hundreds of lives and preventing thousands of injuries every year!

DOT reflective tape must be used as follows:

1、Red and white reflective safety tape must be used for the back and bottom sides of the trailer. It must cover at least half of the total side length, the entire bottom of the back, and the entire lower rear bar.

2、Silver or white reflective tape must be used for the upper rear of the trailer, in the shape of a 12-inch inverted “L” on each side.

Reflective tape requirements are outlined and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), which operates as a part of the Department of Transportation to “prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.”

But just because a trailer has a retro reflective tape doesn't mean it meets government requirements. Penalties may be applied if the tape is too small or not clear enough given the size of the trailer. The average truck driver spends about $150 on all the necessary lighting and retro-reflective tape for their car. Every driver is required to conduct a pre-trip inspection in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.