Comprehensive

safety
3M Reflective Sheeting
for Traffic Signs

Drivers read brighter

signs faster
A recent study at the University of Iowa
found a direct correlation between a
sign’s brightness and a driver’s ability
to comprehend the sign’s message.
Study participants were able to read and
understand brighter signs substantially
faster.1 This study suggests that brighter
Simulation of traffic sign with conventional
micro prismatic sheeting at night.
solutions
As a world leader in reflective sheeting technology and innovation, 3M is uniquely positioned to help you select
the products you need to meet your sign sheeting objectives. In addition, our staff of dedicated traffic safety
professionals can provide the peace of mind of a long-term partnership for maintaining safety on your roadways.
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Sheeting—low cost/high value
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Sheeting is designed for durable traffic
control signs, work zone signs and delineators.
• Tough top coat resists scuffs, scratches and gouges

signs
signs require less eyes-off-the-road time, • Vivid daytime colors and high retroreflectivity ensure high visibility around the clock
leaving drivers more time to attend to the • Meets ASTM D4956 Type III, Type IV and Type X specifications
task of driving—an especially important
advantage when driving at night.
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting—

The Simulation of traffic sign with

twice as bright
The first “full cube” reflective sheeting with 100% efficient optical elements,
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting is nearly twice as bright,
on average, as other prismatic sign sheeting. In addition, it features an
3M Full Cube Technology sheeting at night.
expected life of 12 years, versus 10 years for lower performance products.

Accessories

of safety
3M’s innovative approach to traffic safety doesn’t stop at manufacturing the
highest quality sheeting. Our full line of matched accessories ensures that sign
production is simple and everything works together as a system.
Danvil 2a
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c • Durable overlay films help protect finished signs from defacement
• 3M’s process colors and films ensure backgrounds are durable and
One of the original retroreflective technologies, Danvil 2a

encapsulated glass bead sheeting reflects only 14%

Motros 3b
of 3c
Ricbug
Danvil 2a
consistent with sign colors.
light back toward its source.
3M™ Full Cube Technology nearly doubles
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c

Danvil
Motros
Danvil
Ricbug
Motros
2a
3b
2a
3c
3b
the effective brightness of road signs
Ricbug
Danvil
Motros
3c
2a
3b Today there are three main technologies for making road signs brighter at night:
Ricbug 3c

Truncated cube corner sheeting—the most common sign

Danvil 2a
encapsulated glass beads, truncated micro prismatic cube-corner optics, and fully For more information on improving safety with 3M Reflective Sheeting, go to www.3M.com/TSS.
Motros 3b
sheeting in use today—reflects about 32% of lightDanvil
back2a
Ricbug 3c
Motros 3b
reflective micro prismatic cube-corners—3M Full Cube Technology. Of these three,
™ To schedule a demonstration with your 3M representative, call 1-800-553-1380.
toward its source. Ricbug 3c

only 3M Full Cube Technology features 100% efficient optical elements. This means the
Danvil 2a retroreflective elements in Full Cube Technology reflect 100% of the light that strikes
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c
them. When this technology is incorporated into 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective

3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting, made

Sheeting, it nearly doubles the average brightness of road signs. How important are
with 3M Full Cube Technology, reflects 58% of light back brighter signs? Studies have found that where more-visible signs are installed, crash Traffic Safety Systems Division 3M Canada Company 3M México, S.A. de C.V. 3M and Diamond Grade are
toward its source—almost doubling the overall brightness 3M Center, Bldg 235-3A-09 P.O. Box 5757 Av. Santa Fe No. 55 trademarks of 3M.
of road signs. numbers have fallen 25 to 46% in three to six years.2 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 London, Ontario N6A 4T1 Col. Santa Fe, Used under license in Canada.
USA 1-800-3MHELPS Del. Alvaro Obregón Please recycle. Printed in U.S.A.
1-800-553-1380 México, D.F. 01210 © 3M 2009. All rights reserved.
1
Schell, T., Yekhshatyan, L., Daiker, R., Konz, J., Effect of Luminance on Information Acquisition Time and Accuracy from Traffic Signs. Paper accepted for presentation and publication, www.3M.com/TSS 75-0301-7094-0
Transportation Research Record, Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2008. Full report available at http://www.ccad.uiwoa.ded/opl/projects/luminance
2
Ripley, D.A., Howard R. Green Company, ITE AB04H313, Quantifying the Safety Benefits of Traffic Control Devices—Benefit-Cost Analysis of Traffic Sign Upgrades, 2005 Mid-Continent
Transportation Research Symposium Proceedings
A 3x higher rate of fatalities
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
the rate of traffic fatalities is three times higher at night than during the
day.1 One of the most important factors contributing to this tragic
difference is nighttime drivers simply lack the visual cues they
receive during daylight hours. A number of significant changes taking
place on our nation’s roadways could make this situation even worse in
the years ahead.

More older drivers

According to the U.S. Census, more than 50 million people aged 65
and older will be driving by 2020—about one in every five. It has been
well documented that older drivers have slower response times and
even less visual acuity at night than younger drivers.

Low cut-off headlights

Since the late 1990s, vehicle manufacturers have been installing VOA
or low cut-off headlights on many vehicles. As shown in the photos at
right, these headlights emit little light above the headlight level. This
can effect on a vehicle’s ability to illuminate road signs. In fact, one
study found these headlights reduced the visibility of signs by as
much as 53% in common sign configurations.2
1992 Ford Taurus at 60 feet—traditional headlights.

More trucks
The number of trucks on U.S. highways has increased by 60% in the
last ten years. Because truck cabs are more elevated than car cabs, the
angle between the driver and the headlights is significantly greater. This
means little retroreflected light from road signs reaches these
drivers, and signs appear dimmer, if visible at all.
1999 Ford Mustang at 60 feet—low cut-off headlights.

Because
driving at night
1
is dangerous
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/retro/gen/back_needs.htm
Slivak, M., University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 2000-2001
2
 Comprehensive
safety
3M Reflective Sheeting
for Traffic Signs

Drivers read brighter

signs faster
A recent study at the University of Iowa
found a direct correlation between a
sign’s brightness and a driver’s ability
to comprehend the sign’s message.
Study participants were able to read and
understand brighter signs substantially
faster.1 This study suggests that brighter
Simulation of traffic sign with conventional
micro prismatic sheeting at night.
solutions
As a world leader in reflective sheeting technology and innovation, 3M is uniquely positioned to help you select
the products you need to meet your sign sheeting objectives. In addition, our staff of dedicated traffic safety
professionals can provide the peace of mind of a long-term partnership for maintaining safety on your roadways.
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Sheeting—low cost/high value
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Sheeting is designed for durable traffic
control signs, work zone signs and delineators.
• Tough top coat resists scuffs, scratches and gouges

signs
signs require less eyes-off-the-road time, • Vivid daytime colors and high retroreflectivity ensure high visibility around the clock
leaving drivers more time to attend to the • Meets ASTM D4956 Type III, Type IV and Type X specifications
task of driving—an especially important
advantage when driving at night.
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting—

The Simulation of traffic sign with

twice as bright
The first “full cube” reflective sheeting with 100% efficient optical elements,
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting is nearly twice as bright,
on average, as other prismatic sign sheeting. In addition, it features an
3M Full Cube Technology sheeting at night.
expected life of 12 years, versus 10 years for lower performance products.

Accessories

of safety
3M’s innovative approach to traffic safety doesn’t stop at manufacturing the
highest quality sheeting. Our full line of matched accessories ensures that sign
production is simple and everything works together as a system.
Danvil 2a
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c • Durable overlay films help protect finished signs from defacement
• 3M’s process colors and films ensure backgrounds are durable and
One of the original retroreflective technologies, Danvil 2a

encapsulated glass bead sheeting reflects only 14%

Motros 3b
of 3c
Ricbug
Danvil 2a
consistent with sign colors.
light back toward its source.
3M™ Full Cube Technology nearly doubles
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c

Danvil
Motros
Danvil
Ricbug
Motros
2a
3b
2a
3c
3b
the effective brightness of road signs
Ricbug
Danvil
Motros
3c
2a
3b Today there are three main technologies for making road signs brighter at night:
Ricbug 3c

Truncated cube corner sheeting—the most common sign

Danvil 2a
encapsulated glass beads, truncated micro prismatic cube-corner optics, and fully For more information on improving safety with 3M Reflective Sheeting, go to www.3M.com/TSS.
Motros 3b
sheeting in use today—reflects about 32% of lightDanvil
back2a
Ricbug 3c
Motros 3b
reflective micro prismatic cube-corners—3M Full Cube Technology. Of these three,
™ To schedule a demonstration with your 3M representative, call 1-800-553-1380.
toward its source. Ricbug 3c

only 3M Full Cube Technology features 100% efficient optical elements. This means the
Danvil 2a retroreflective elements in Full Cube Technology reflect 100% of the light that strikes
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c
them. When this technology is incorporated into 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective

3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting, made

Sheeting, it nearly doubles the average brightness of road signs. How important are
with 3M Full Cube Technology, reflects 58% of light back brighter signs? Studies have found that where more-visible signs are installed, crash Traffic Safety Systems Division 3M Canada Company 3M México, S.A. de C.V. 3M and Diamond Grade are
toward its source—almost doubling the overall brightness 3M Center, Bldg 235-3A-09 P.O. Box 5757 Av. Santa Fe No. 55 trademarks of 3M.
of road signs. numbers have fallen 25 to 46% in three to six years.2 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 London, Ontario N6A 4T1 Col. Santa Fe, Used under license in Canada.
USA 1-800-3MHELPS Del. Alvaro Obregón Please recycle. Printed in U.S.A.
1-800-553-1380 México, D.F. 01210 © 3M 2009. All rights reserved.
1
Schell, T., Yekhshatyan, L., Daiker, R., Konz, J., Effect of Luminance on Information Acquisition Time and Accuracy from Traffic Signs. Paper accepted for presentation and publication, www.3M.com/TSS 75-0301-7094-0
Transportation Research Record, Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2008. Full report available at http://www.ccad.uiwoa.ded/opl/projects/luminance
2
Ripley, D.A., Howard R. Green Company, ITE AB04H313, Quantifying the Safety Benefits of Traffic Control Devices—Benefit-Cost Analysis of Traffic Sign Upgrades, 2005 Mid-Continent
Transportation Research Symposium Proceedings
 Comprehensive
safety
3M Reflective Sheeting
for Traffic Signs

Drivers read brighter

signs faster
A recent study at the University of Iowa
found a direct correlation between a
sign’s brightness and a driver’s ability
to comprehend the sign’s message.
Study participants were able to read and
understand brighter signs substantially
faster.1 This study suggests that brighter
Simulation of traffic sign with conventional
micro prismatic sheeting at night.
solutions
As a world leader in reflective sheeting technology and innovation, 3M is uniquely positioned to help you select
the products you need to meet your sign sheeting objectives. In addition, our staff of dedicated traffic safety
professionals can provide the peace of mind of a long-term partnership for maintaining safety on your roadways.
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Sheeting—low cost/high value
3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Sheeting is designed for durable traffic
control signs, work zone signs and delineators.
• Tough top coat resists scuffs, scratches and gouges

signs
signs require less eyes-off-the-road time, • Vivid daytime colors and high retroreflectivity ensure high visibility around the clock
leaving drivers more time to attend to the • Meets ASTM D4956 Type III, Type IV and Type X specifications
task of driving—an especially important
advantage when driving at night.
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting—

The Simulation of traffic sign with

twice as bright
The first “full cube” reflective sheeting with 100% efficient optical elements,
3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting is nearly twice as bright,
on average, as other prismatic sign sheeting. In addition, it features an
3M Full Cube Technology sheeting at night.
expected life of 12 years, versus 10 years for lower performance products.

Accessories

of safety
3M’s innovative approach to traffic safety doesn’t stop at manufacturing the
highest quality sheeting. Our full line of matched accessories ensures that sign
production is simple and everything works together as a system.
Danvil 2a
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c • Durable overlay films help protect finished signs from defacement
• 3M’s process colors and films ensure backgrounds are durable and
One of the original retroreflective technologies, Danvil 2a

encapsulated glass bead sheeting reflects only 14%

Motros 3b
of 3c
Ricbug
Danvil 2a
consistent with sign colors.
light back toward its source.
3M™ Full Cube Technology nearly doubles
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c

Danvil
Motros
Danvil
Ricbug
Motros
2a
3b
2a
3c
3b
the effective brightness of road signs
Ricbug
Danvil
Motros
3c
2a
3b Today there are three main technologies for making road signs brighter at night:
Ricbug 3c

Truncated cube corner sheeting—the most common sign

Danvil 2a
encapsulated glass beads, truncated micro prismatic cube-corner optics, and fully For more information on improving safety with 3M Reflective Sheeting, go to www.3M.com/TSS.
Motros 3b
sheeting in use today—reflects about 32% of lightDanvil
back2a
Ricbug 3c
Motros 3b
reflective micro prismatic cube-corners—3M Full Cube Technology. Of these three,
™ To schedule a demonstration with your 3M representative, call 1-800-553-1380.
toward its source. Ricbug 3c

only 3M Full Cube Technology features 100% efficient optical elements. This means the
Danvil 2a retroreflective elements in Full Cube Technology reflect 100% of the light that strikes
Motros 3b
Ricbug 3c
them. When this technology is incorporated into 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective

3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting, made

Sheeting, it nearly doubles the average brightness of road signs. How important are
with 3M Full Cube Technology, reflects 58% of light back brighter signs? Studies have found that where more-visible signs are installed, crash Traffic Safety Systems Division 3M Canada Company 3M México, S.A. de C.V. 3M and Diamond Grade are
toward its source—almost doubling the overall brightness 3M Center, Bldg 235-3A-09 P.O. Box 5757 Av. Santa Fe No. 55 trademarks of 3M.
of road signs. numbers have fallen 25 to 46% in three to six years.2 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 London, Ontario N6A 4T1 Col. Santa Fe, Used under license in Canada.
USA 1-800-3MHELPS Del. Alvaro Obregón Please recycle. Printed in U.S.A.
1-800-553-1380 México, D.F. 01210 © 3M 2009. All rights reserved.
1
Schell, T., Yekhshatyan, L., Daiker, R., Konz, J., Effect of Luminance on Information Acquisition Time and Accuracy from Traffic Signs. Paper accepted for presentation and publication, www.3M.com/TSS 75-0301-7094-0
Transportation Research Record, Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2008. Full report available at http://www.ccad.uiwoa.ded/opl/projects/luminance
2
Ripley, D.A., Howard R. Green Company, ITE AB04H313, Quantifying the Safety Benefits of Traffic Control Devices—Benefit-Cost Analysis of Traffic Sign Upgrades, 2005 Mid-Continent
Transportation Research Symposium Proceedings