Final answer:
The appropriate protective gear to wear at an automobile collision is Reflective clothing, which ensures visibility and safety at the scene.
Step-by-step explanation:
The item of protective gear that is appropriate to wear at an automobile collision is D) Reflective clothing. Reflective clothing is crucial at an accident scene to ensure visibility to other drivers, thereby reducing the risk of secondary accidents. It is part of the safety protocol for emergency responders and those working on the site of the collision to wear high-visibility jackets or vests so they can be easily seen.
While items such as a gown, a HEPA mask, or SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) gear might be necessary in specific environments, such as medical settings, laboratories with biohazards, or hazardous material incidents, they are not the primary protective gear for an automobile collision scenario. Reflective clothing aligns with the principle of making sure to follow safety protocols and avoids being distracting in a dangerous situation such as a traffic collision.