The introduction of the reflective material
Reflective material was first introduced back in the 1930s for use on stop signs and asphalt and by the 1980s, had evolved into silver piping on sneakers and backpacks. The reflective material is created with tiny spherical glass beads (1/2 the size of a human hair). Made from optical-grade glass, these perfect microscopic spheres are coated on one side with aluminum and then organized aluminum-side down and adhered to the material to create a reflective surface. The process allows light to bounce directly back to its source. No matter what angle the light strikes the material, the wearer is illuminated and seen.
That means that when the light from a car's headlight shines onto the strip, almost 100% of the light will reflect off and go directly back to the source. There's no diffusion, no waste, all the light bounces back to the driver.
Soon after, it was seen in high-end jackets, running gear, biking equipment, and professional safety uniforms. Although more and more industries and manufacturers were beginning to use it, reflective material stayed the same skinny cord or patch of silver material it always was.
In recent years, reflective materials have been further developed and integrated into various safety gear to enhance visibility and protection. For instance, sanitation workers and other personnel working in low-visibility conditions now wear reflective vests. These vests are often made with a mesh fabric that breathes and features multiple reflective strips made from small lens balls. When light hits these vests, it reflects its source, making the wearer easily visible to drivers and thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Reflective materials are now commonly used in traffic safety equipment, including vests for traffic police, sanitation workers, and road construction workers. This advancement in reflective technology has greatly contributed to safety improvements in various industries by ensuring that individuals are seen even in low-light conditions.
