What is one primary purpose of retroreflective materials on vehicles?

The primary purpose of retroreflective materials on vehicles is to enhance visibility during low-light conditions. Retroreflective materials work by reflecting light back towards its source, making vehicles more visible to other drivers, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. This increased visibility is crucial for traffic safety, as it helps to reduce the likelihood of accidents by ensuring that other road users can see vehicles from a distance.

In essence, retroreflective materials help to convey the presence of a vehicle to surrounding traffic, which is vital for maintaining safe distances and enabling timely decision-making on the road.