I would definetly take issue with that statement. riding past cross traffic waiting to enter the road you're riding on, making turns as vehicles approach, passing lines of motorists at stoplights turning onto the road you're travelling, are all instances where wheel reflectors and frame flecco tape heighten visibility and awareness of bicycling.

reflectors aren't all about 'imminent collision avoidance' but there's lots of ambiguous traffic conditions during which I'm glad to have an extra measure of nighttime visibility.

I keep a seat reflector on all my bikes to meet my state's laws about required bicycle equipment.