The Function and Importance of Reflectors on Highways

Reflectors on Highways

In addition to lane markings, reflectors are often used on highways to help guide motorists. Yellow and white (clear) reflectors are often used along with painted road markings to designate the division between lanes. These reflectors are also raised so that you will be physically aware when you are crossing into another lane. In some places, lane markings may be entirely replaced by reflectors.

How Reflectors Operate

Highway reflectors, often used together with lane markings, operate based on the principles of light reflection. A corner reflector, which is used in many inexpensive reflector buttons, reflects incoming light parallel to the direction it came from, increasing visibility and safety.

Explanation

The student is seeking information on the use and function of reflectors on highways. Reflectors, often used in conjunction with painted lane markings, serve to guide motorists on the road. They operate based on the principles of light reflection. A corner reflector, for instance, consists of two mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces. When a light ray strikes this object, it is reflected back exactly parallel to the direction it came from. This principle remains true irrespective of the angle of incidence. Many inexpensive reflector buttons on vehicles and warning signs are equipped with corner reflectors designed to return light to the source. Such reflectors are perfectly efficient when conditions for total internal reflection are met. Under certain circumstances, these reflectors might even replace painted lane markings altogether on some highways. With common materials, a critical angle of less than 45° is achievable, guaranteeing the efficiency of these reflectors. Besides highways, corner reflectors find application in other areas such as binoculars and periscopes used in submarines. In such uses, they help increase visibility and safety.