A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has uncovered a critical safety paradox: clothing designed to make pedestrians visible to human drivers could render them undetectable to automated crash prevention technology. The research highlights potential flaws in pedestrian automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems when faced with reflective workwear commonly used by road crews and cyclists.   

Testing Reveals System Vulnerabilities   

 IIHS researchers tested three 2023 vehicle models—Honda, Mazda, and Subaru Forester—using an adult-sized dummy outfitted in various outfits. When the dummy wore reflective strips similar to those on roadway worker uniforms, the Honda and Mazda systems collided with the dummy in 84% and 88% of trials, respectively. In contrast, the Subaru Forester avoided collisions in all but one test run.  

 The study varied lighting conditions and dummy attire, including black clothing, white clothing, and retroreflective jackets. Notably, when the dummy wore reflective strips on limbs and joints, neither the Honda nor Mazda systems slowed down at all, suggesting the reflective patterns confused their sensors.   

Nighttime Performance Raises Alarms   

 Past research shows pedestrian AEB systems reduce crash rates by 27% overall, but their effectiveness plummets on dark roads—where most fatal pedestrian accidents occur. The new tests confirmed this trend: when the dummy wore black clothing, both Honda and Mazda slowed significantly using high beams but failed to react adequately with low beams. White clothing and reflective jackets also yielded inconsistent results under different lighting, with some systems performing worse with increased illumination.   

Industry Response and Safety Implications   

 "Reflective strips help human drivers recognize movement patterns, but they confused AEB sensors," said IIHS scientist David Kidd. IIHS President David Harkey called the finding a "worrisome blind spot," noting that road workers and emergency personnel rely on such gear for safety. While automakers are adjusting systems for IIHS nighttime ratings, the study urges urgent research into how AEB technology interacts with standard safety apparel.   

 The findings spotlight a critical need to align autonomous safety features with real-world protective measures, ensuring technology enhances—rather than undermines—pedestrian safety.