Been some interesting studies looking at conspicuity and yes, whilst it’s true that mototrists should be ‘looking out’ for us it’s sadly also combination of trying making yourself seen and identifiable as a cyclist and travelling at what speed.
Was a lot of debate following France’s decision to make hi-vis compulsory from Jan 2013:
The Motorcycle Action Group’s Ian Mutch said: “We contend that a motorist who is incapable of identifying a normally dressed rider and motorcycle in conditions of good visibility is not fit to hold a driving licence.
“Making extreme demands of motorcyclists in respect of their clothing is to effectively persecute the victims of problem to accommodate the failings of those who often cause them.”
Studies continue to show however that the traditional ‘hi viz’ (ie. yellow and orange) have been shown to work best in daylight and low-light, hence why they have been picked up by the emergency services, road, railway and construction workers etc.
I swapped to one for the commute a few years ago.
There is a danger that drivers are becoming ‘blind’ to them as so many of us do now wear them on the commute but the fact is (as the studies prove) they are more ‘conspicuous’ than other ‘normal’ colours including white.