Fact Sheet: Backplates are added to a traffic signal head to improve visibility of the illuminated face. Signal head with a backplate can be made more conspicuous by framing the backplate with a retroreflective border. Backplates with retroreflective borders make signals more visible and conspicuous in both daytime and nighttime conditions. This increases the operational safety of a signalized intersection. Additionally, during a loss in power, this treatment can increase the road user's awareness of the dark signalized intersection.