Evolution: How Chevron Standards Have Improved Safety

The story of the evolution of Chapter 8 chevron standards is one such journey which demonstrates how regulation has influenced road worker safety and improved this across the UK. 

The Old Days: Reflex Reflective Tape

Reflective tape available in the 1980s was little better than driveway markers and often only just met a minimum legal requirement for visibility. The initial systems utilised glass bead technology which didn’t provide great illumination in inclement weather and weren’t very effective at other angles of view. Accident statistics of this time show fatalities among road workers were dramatic. Poor visibility was blamed for most accidents.

The 1991 Revolution: Structured Standards

It took until 1991 for the introduction of formal Chapter 8 standards, which was called “the first systematic approach to vehicle conspicuity”. This set minimum retroreflective performance levels and uniform chevron patterns into the standard requirements. The result was immediate, within two years of mandating consistent and quantifiable visibility standards worker casualties declined by 23%. For Chapter 8 Chevrons, visit www.vehiclechevrons.com

Microprismatic Technology: The Game Changer

Better glass systems were gradually replaced in the late 1990s with microprismatic retroreflective technology. This breakthrough brought threefold the brightness of previous materials, and thus maintained excellent performance in wet conditions. This made vehicles visible up to 500 or so metres, a huge improvement for drivers.

The 2009 Enhancement: Durability Standards

Stringent durability requirements were introduced to the 2009 regulations following a number of high-profile incidents where chevrons had become faded or damaged. The subsequent standards mandated seven-year minimum warranties and UV, chemical, puncture resistance. This stopped the unsafe practice of running equipment that was “still working” but no longer best protecting workers.

Modern Innovations: Smart Chevrons

The chevrons of today are so advanced that they include LED upgrade systems and optics tailored for the ambient lighting conditions. Today, some systems feature wireless monitoring notifying fleet managers when chevron performance has fallen below safe requirements.

The Statistical Success Story

Chapter 8 standards have evolved and this has produced quantifiable results. Every day on our roadways, these are saving lives; fatalities of highway workers have decreased by 67% since the passage of the act. Over the same period, vehicle-strikes involving correctly-positioned Chapter 8 vehicles have fallen by over three-quarters (78%).

Looking Forward

Active chevrons are now in development that can talk to vehicle safety systems and warn drivers of upcoming hazards.

The history of Chapter 8 chevron standards is a testament to how regulatory advancement saves lives. These changes have been won through experience and understanding, perseverance in research and learning the lifestyle of driving for all road workers to drive home safely.