What is the purpose of reflective tape on vehicles?

Reflective tape serves a crucial safety function by enhancing the visibility of vehicles, particularly in low-light conditions such as nighttime or during adverse weather. When light from headlights or streetlights hits reflective tape, it bounces back toward the source, making the vehicle more noticeable to other drivers and pedestrians. This increased visibility can help reduce the likelihood of accidents by allowing other road users to see the vehicle from a greater distance.

While improving vehicle aerodynamics, making a vehicle look attractive, or indicating its weight are important considerations in vehicle design and operation, they do not align with the primary safety purpose of reflective tape. The critical function of this tape is to ensure that vehicles are easily seen, which is essential for safe navigation on the roads.