What is one requirement for traffic vests to be ANSI compliant?

• A. They must be waterproof.
• B. They must be reflective on both sides.
• C. They must have pockets.
• D. They must be break-away.

Answer: (D)

In ANSI-compliant high-visibility vests, safety in snag-prone environments is a priority, so a break-away design is required. This feature lets the vest detach quickly if it catches on equipment, doors, or moving parts, reducing the risk of the wearer being pulled into traffic or entangled. Waterproofing, pockets, or reflective material on both sides aren’t universal requirements of the standard, and they don’t address the immediate safety concern of avoiding entanglement. So the break-away design best aligns with ANSI’s emphasis on preventing traps and ensuring quick release in hazardous traffic settings.