Abstract
The use of retroreflecting materials and their possible application in visual "formatting" of road traffic is discussed. Vision is the main source of information for those taking part in traffic. To look and see is predominant for deciding and acting. Modern retroreflecting materials offer a possibility to switch over to a system which, by enhancing appearance and shape of objects, offers in principle the same meaningful information in the dark as is available during day- time. Thanks to these materials the endless tactics of competing conspicuousness can be left. Being able to recognize and localize objects are equally important parameters of visibility without the drawbacks of conspicuousness.