The end of the reflective clothing? A US study reveals a technological flaw making pedestrians invisible to cars

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It’s a paradox no one saw coming: wearing reflective clothing to be more visible in the dark could actually mislead certain automatic braking systems.

A U.S. study conducted by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) raises significant questions about the real-world effectiveness of these systems, especially at night.

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Reflective clothing: A friend or foe to automotive sensors?

For years, pedestrians and cyclists have been strongly encouraged to wear reflective clothing to make themselves more visible to drivers, particularly during winter months or in low-light conditions. However, this recent study reveals that advanced safety systems designed to enhance protection might struggle to interpret these reflective materials. Tests conducted on three 2023 SUVs — the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester — showed varying performance levels depending on lighting conditions and the type of clothing worn by pedestrian dummies used in the experiments. Surprisingly, the sensors in some vehicles failed to detect pedestrians wearing reflective strips, mistaking them for harmless objects. This presents a serious concern for systems marketed as accident-prevention tools, particularly in scenarios with limited visibility.

Tests conducted on three 2023 SUVs: the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester - © Honda
Tests conducted on three 2023 SUVs: the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester – © Honda

Performance differences across car brands and technologies

The study also highlighted significant differences between the tested models. The Subaru Forester, equipped with its camera-based EyeSight system, delivered the best results. In nearly all scenarios, the car managed to brake in time, although reflective clothing slightly complicated detection in one instance. In contrast, the infrared sensors used by Honda and Mazda struggled more to identify pedestrians, especially when reflective strips were involved. This technical nuance is crucial: the type of sensor greatly impacts how effectively these systems interpret visual data. While infrared sensors are commonly used in the industry, they appear more susceptible to interference, such as the motion of reflective materials, which can confuse detection algorithms.

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How drivers and automakers can respond

The findings of this study serve as a critical reminder: technology is not yet a full substitute for human attention. Fluorescent yellow, one of the most eye-catching colors for humans, may not be as effective for automotive technology, which processes visual data differently. Drivers must remain especially vigilant in the dark and not rely solely on these assistance systems. Meanwhile, automakers are already working to improve their technologies. Future generations of AEB systems could better integrate variables like reflective clothing to enhance pedestrian detection in all conditions. These results also highlight the importance of testing these technologies in diverse scenarios that reflect real-world driving conditions. While current systems have significantly reduced daytime accidents, greater focus is needed on improving performance during times when pedestrians are most vulnerable — at night and in low-visibility conditions.

This article explores the limitations of automatic emergency braking systems when encountering reflective clothing, the performance differences between various technologies used by automakers, and the critical importance of remaining alert behind the wheel, even with the most advanced safety features. It underscores that the journey to total road safety still requires numerous adjustments.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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