Why is wearing reflective clothing essential for pedestrians at night?

Wearing reflective clothing is essential for pedestrians at night primarily to increase visibility to drivers. At nighttime, visibility is significantly reduced due to lower levels of natural light. Reflective materials help to ensure that pedestrians are seen by drivers from greater distances, allowing for more time to react and make safe decisions.

When pedestrians wear reflective clothing, the light from vehicle headlights reflects off the material, making them stand out against the darker surroundings. This is crucial for preventing accidents and enhancing safety on the roads, as it informs drivers of the presence of pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic might be expected but visibility is low. Enhanced visibility can be the difference between a safe passage and a potential accident.