windyrogI recall a previous poster on this forum (a Highway Engineer) stating that Hi Viz just made you a better target, and that you would be better off wearing all black and developing the skills of a Ninja!
After riding a bike to and from work for a while, I am beginning to understand what he meant!
I am wary of Hi Viz now - I carry it in the car, and wear it on my bicycle, but realise that for instance on a construction site I would not really stand out!
On my bike, at night I wear reflective bracelets with flashing red LEDs on my ankles which are more effective than wearing them on the arms (where they are intended) as to an approaching driver, the red LEDs are flashing as they go up and down with the pedals! The movement is more effective than the lights or reflective stripe, which can be found attached to bits of roadside furniture too!
So Hi Vis CAN be effective - but should be used in the right way - and simply making it compulsory is not the answer - there has to be some education like the old "See and be Seen" adverts on TV.