United States Department of Transportation
i
Executive Summary: Backplates with Retroreflective Borders
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2014-10-01
[PDF-638.89 KB]
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Abstract:Traffic signal backplates—thin plates of material that surround traffic signal indication light arrays—are intended to improve the visibility of the signal by providing a consistent and controlled-contrast background. Adding narrow strips of retroreflective tape or sheeting around the border of the backplates—called backplates with retroreflective borders—helps frame the signal indication. This treatment increases visibility and conspicuity of traffic signals, particularly during nighttime hours, and enhances visibility of traffic signals for aging and color vision impaired drivers. It may also alert drivers to signalized intersections during periods of power outages when the signals would otherwise be dark and the non-reflective signal heads would not be visible. FHWA cited the treatment as an "Aging Driver" Best Practice and one of its nine Proven Safety Countermeasures; the treatment was also added as an option in the 2009 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
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