What is the main purpose of reflective tape on commercial vehicles?

The main purpose of reflective tape on commercial vehicles is to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. This reflective material is crucial for safety, as it allows other road users—such as drivers and pedestrians—to clearly see the vehicle, especially during nighttime or in poor weather conditions. The reflective properties work by bouncing light back towards its source, making the vehicle more noticeable against the dark background. This visibility is particularly important for large commercial vehicles, which can be less visible than smaller vehicles and may pose greater risks on the road.

While aerodynamics plays a role in vehicle design, it is not the primary function of reflective tape. Decoration is not a safety feature and does not serve the critical purpose of improving visibility. Additionally, indicating the vehicle's weight is handled through different means, such as signage or weight compliance labels, rather than reflective materials. Reflective tape is, therefore, a vital safety feature aimed explicitly at reducing the risk of collisions by improving the visibility of commercial vehicles.