Reflective truck tape is designed to enhance the visibility of vehicles, particularly at night when visibility is reduced due to low-light conditions. The effectiveness of reflective truck tape at night has been extensively studied, and the findings from these studies consistently demonstrate its significant impact on improving safety and reducing accidents. Here are some key points from the research:

1. Visibility and Accident Reduction: A 2015 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study estimated that conspicuity tape on heavy trailers saved 2,660 vehicle occupants between 1960 and 2012, and reduced nighttime accidents involving heavy trailers by 21% between 1983 and 1985. This indicates that reflective truck tape plays a crucial role in making large vehicles more visible to drivers, especially during nighttime when accidents are more likely to occur.

2. Regulatory Requirements: Since 1992, NHTSA has required conspicuity tape on the sides and rear of trailers that are over 80 inches wide or weigh more than 10,000 lbs. A 2001 study showed that this requirement reduced passenger vehicle impacts into the sides and rears of trailers by 41% in dark, unlit conditions. This highlights the effectiveness of reflective truck tape in reducing accidents in low-light conditions.

3. Independent Studies: Various independent studies have shown the safety benefits of conspicuity tape. For example, a study conducted by Darmstadt University of Technology found that 37% of all truck side and 41% of truck rear collisions during darkness and twilight were caused by the truck not having been recognized in time. The same study found that applying conspicuity sheeting to trucks resulted in a significant reduction in accident.

4. Effectiveness of Patterns and Colors: A study compared the visibility of different retro reflective truck tape patterns and found that the fully outlined alternating red and yellow combination of retroreflective tape, following UNECE Regulation No.48, was the most visible pattern. This pattern was more effective in increasing detection distance and reducing perception-reaction time, which are critical factors in preventing rear-end collisions at night.

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6. Human and Environmental Factors: The same study also evaluated the effect of human and environmental factors on the detection of distance, perception-reaction time, and heart rate while driving behind heavy trucks with different patterns of retroreflective tapes. Factors such as driver age, speed, tape width, tape pattern, lighting, and weather conditions significantly affected detection distance.

7. Economic and Societal Benefits: The 2015 SWOV Report suggested that retrofitting older trucks with conspicuity reflective tape could prevent an estimated 481 crashes, 3 deaths, and 16 serious road injuries per year, yielding approximately €1.5 billion (US $1.7 billion) in savings. This underscores the socioeconomic benefits of using reflective tape, particularly in reducing nighttime accidents.

In conclusion, reflective truck tape is highly effective at night, significantly improving the visibility of vehicles and reducing the risk of accidents. Its use is supported by a wealth of research and is a cost-effective solution for enhancing road safety, especially in conditions with limited visibility.