About Safety & Visibility

Darkness changes how easily drivers can see pedestrians. Being able to see the road yourself does not necessarily mean that others can see you.

At Smart in the Dark, we believe visibility should be a natural part of everyday life. That’s why we design reflective accessories that combine visibility, safety and Nordic-inspired design – products you’ll actually want to wear when walking, running, commuting or spending time outdoors after dark.

On this page, you’ll learn more about visibility in the dark, how reflective materials work and what you can do to make yourself more visible in traffic.

Did you know?

These figures are reported by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  in its 2023 Traffic Safety Facts report.

Our mission

Safety has always been at the heart of Smart in the Dark.

Our mission is simple: to help people become more visible when they’re outdoors in the dark. But we also know that the most effective reflective accessory is the one people actually want to use. To keep you visible at night, we’ve designed reflector products based on three simple words: Stylish, smart, and safe. 

We combine visibility and safety with design and create reflective accessories that feel like a natural part of your outfit – whether you’re walking to work, going for a run, taking the dog out or spending an evening with friends.

Our goal is to become the world’s leading brand in designed safety reflectors. Join us!

Why visibility matters in the dark

When daylight fades, pedestrians can become difficult for drivers to detect, particularly on roads with poor lighting or where people are wearing dark clothing.

Street lighting helps us see our surroundings, but it does not necessarily make a pedestrian stand out to an approaching driver. This is why being visible to others is just as important as being able to see where you’re going.

A simple reflective accessory or reflective beanie can help catch the light from a vehicle’s headlights and make you easier to notice from a greater distance.

Visibility is about making it easier for drivers to notice you, recognise you as a person and react in time.

How reflective materials work

Reflective materials work differently from ordinary fabrics or bright colours. They are designed to return light towards its source – in this case, the headlights of an approaching vehicle. This is known as retroreflection.

Retroreflection means that light bounces directly back to its original source, rather than scattering in all directions. When a car’s headlights hit a reflector, the light is redirected straight back to the driver’s eyes. This makes you shine brightly and ensures you are seen from a long distance.

Where to place your reflectors:

• From top to bottom: Wear reflective accessories on your head, upper body, waist, and lower legs or ankles.
• On moving parts: Placing reflectors on your arms and legs makes it much easier for drivers to recognize human movement.
• On both sides: Position elements on both sides of your body so you are visible regardless of which direction you are facing.
• On your gear: Don’t forget the things you bring with you—make bags, strollers, and pets visible too.

Keep these tips in mind:

• More is better: Use several reflective elements rather than relying on a single small reflector.
• Ditch the dark look: Dark clothing is incredibly difficult for drivers to distinguish from dark surroundings.
• Choose quality: Opt for reflective materials that are designed and tested for actual visibility.

And remember: just because you can see a driver, it does not mean that the driver has seen you.

Smart in the Dark’s reflective products make you visible from at least 125 meters (410 feet) away

Why movement matters

Reflective elements on moving parts of the body can be particularly useful.

As your arms and legs move while you walk or run, the reflective elements also move. This can help create a noticeable visual signal for approaching drivers.

For this reason, we recommend thinking beyond one stationary reflective element. Using several reflective products in different positions can help provide visibility from more than one direction.

How long does a reflector stay effective?

Reflective materials can last for several years, but their performance can deteriorate with use, washing, dirt and wear. Before each autumn and winter season, it is a good idea to check older reflective accessories.

One simple way to compare an older reflector with a new one is to place both at eye level in a dark room and shine a flashlight towards them from a few metres away. If the older material reflects noticeably less light than the new one, it may be time to replace it.

Treat reflective accessories as safety equipment: if you’re unsure whether an old product still performs as it should, replacing it is the safer choice.

Quality matters

Not all reflective materials are the same. Reflective products are optical products, which means that their ability to return light depends on the quality and condition of the reflective material.

At Smart in the Dark, we use 3M Scotchlite™ reflective material in our products, one of the best materials on the market. The reflective material is designed for high visibility and to retain its reflective properties under normal use.

When choosing reflective accessories, look for information about the material, quality and relevant testing rather than choosing solely on price.

Smart in the dark® products are made from high-quality materials designed to last for several years if stored properly and kept free from scratches, etc.

Learn more about visibility

Want to learn more about staying visible in the dark? Explore our guides and expert articles for practical advice and insights about visibility and road safety.