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Weathering is the adverse response of a material or product to climate, often causing unwanted and premature product failure. The research and literature review shows that, in addition to the standard signaling devices, the retro-reflective marking is intended to increase the visibility (recognition) over a wide range of distances and for an easy identification of vehicles. The main characteristics of retro-reflective marking are Type of material, Coefficient of retro-reflection, Efficiency, Colour, Aging, Soiling, Shape and Pattern. Materials used for the retro reflective materials offer an impressive range of attractive properties, however the effect of weathering conditions on the durability and performance of these materials are not fully understood. The initial study conducted to provide degradation effect on retro reflective material due to weathering and its effect on road safety by simulating the weathering conditions in the laboratory as a part of accelerated tests.

Plastics (polymers) are nowadays clearly a material of choice in all application sectors including in Automobile sector. Automotive manufacturer have relived on new technology for vehicular accessories which are all made-up of different polymers like Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Poly Carbonates, Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Acrylic, glass, resin etc. Although these components offer an impressive range of attractive properties, the effect of climatic conditions on the durability and performance of these materials is not fully understood. The durability, performance and rate of deterioration of these products are all significantly influenced by both the material composition, as well as the climatic conditions to which they are exposed. The degradation/ variation of the mechanical properties of the specimen treated at different environmental/ atmospheric conditions are a primary concern when recommending such a composite for particular use.