Every year, hundreds of road workers and construction personnel get injured by cars on the job. Wearing hi vis safety clothing is imperative when it comes to being seen and staying safe. Safety apparel plays an important role to ensure workers stay more visible, especially in areas of heavy, fast-moving traffic.

On your hunt for a safety vest, you have probably seen products that are ANSI Surveyor Vests. This means that it’s certified by the American National Standards Institute, which was launched in 1918 with the mission to uphold the U.S.’s business and operational standards that enable it to be competitive on a global market level. There are tons of ANSI surveyor vests available, including traffic vests, fire retardant vests, and law enforcement vests.

There are three classes of ANSI certified vests, with class 1 being for low traffic areas (such as parking lot attendants) and class 3 being the highest. Class 3 is composed of very reflective material and help road workers to be easily seen at night. Another good vest to wear at night features LED lights that actually illuminates the employee.

Typical safety vests are crafted from both solid materials and mesh. The mesh helps to vent the vests during warmer weather. Some are made from mirror-like products that shine when exposed to a light source. Many of the vests available contain pockets so that workers can carry essential items, such as keys, wallet, and small tools.

If you are a worker that regularly works near roadways or traffic zones, it is important to find the best type of vest for you based on fit and job needs. Understanding the different types of vests available to you will help you find the perfect one to keep you safe while on the job.