Retroreflection occurs when a surface returns a large portion of the directed light beam back to its source. Retroreflective materials appear brightest to observers nearest the light source (such as a motorist). The object’s brightness depends on the intensity of the light striking the object and the materials the object is made of.
Traffic sign technology has changed dramatically in the last few years, as breakthroughs in retroreflective science have been adopted by many government agencies around the world.