Originally Posted by
berner
Sometimes the perceived need for high visibility jerseys may be effected by the terrain one rides in. I had a good ride today in an area relatively new to me on roads that just a bit busier than I normally ride. Here in the NE USA, even in populous areas, there is often a continuous forrest canopy. As a result I was in shade or moving between bright sunlight and shade. I did think about being visible and was glad to be wearing my "screaming yellow jersey.
The issue for drivers with this sort of environment is the dappling and the speed at which is passes means the eye's iris is not opening rapidly enough to see properly in the shadows. The dappling also can have a hypnotic effect, so the driver's attention can be affected. That screaming yellow certainly does become a focal point in those situations.