Guess how many Hi Vis vests I saw that day?
Was it the one you were wearing? (haha)
I've done quite a few flights to / in France, rarely have I see anyone with a high viz, even at rather big airports and guess what? I am yet to see anyone get run over, or accidentally get hit by an aeroplane!!
I can understand its requirement at night, especially at smaller aerodromes without flood lights. You hear someone shouting clear prop, not having a clue where they are, and boom its the plane right in front of you!