They're reflective bands on the cones. It's meant to increase visibility for drivers when they're driving at night. The material is highly reflective, and shines brightly when contacted by light. As for why they're so bright, I'd guess a combination of a bright light off-camera being cast and lens flare (which is when light looks brighter in digital pictures, especially if it's the brightest light in the image). Again, nothing to be afraid of.
