You may have come across traffic cones on the road and might be wondering what they are. Despite their commonplace appearance, they are essential tools for traffic control. They are easy to spot, highly visible, stackable, and easy to move. But how do they help traffic control? If you want to make the most of them, learn more about them. And most importantly, how do you use them correctly? Keep reading to learn how you can make the most of traffic cones!
Symbol of Authority:
They are a very useful tool in many locations. At crowded events, they are an ideal choice to direct foot traffic. They create a sense of authority and give event guards a backup line of sight. Orange traffic cones are one the ideal signs and are suitable for both outdoor and indoor settings. A plastic multi-coned chain is suitable for a more definite delineation.
While traffic cone are ideal to block traffic, they are ideal for warning motorists of dangerous conditions. For example, a traffic cone can protect a wrecked car or an injured person from a collision with another vehicle. A stopped car alone alerts passing traffic to the vehicle, but a traffic cone can draw attention to the entire area. Additionally, they are common in warning approaching drivers of dangerous conditions such as hills and sharp turns.
Regardless of the use, traffic cones are a symbol of authority and control, directing traffic in various situations. They are customary to redirect traffic around the public property, warn people about dangerous conditions, divert traffic away from construction sites and indicate that a certain area is off-limits to cars. One can also use them to direct traffic to areas where people should not be driving, such as schools or churches. They are utilized to direct traffic to a closed store.
High Visibility:
Among the many benefits of traffic cones, one of the most important ones is that they are highly visible. Depending on the environment of placement, these cones are either brightly colored or reflective, which makes them more visible to drivers. Because of this, they are useful in roadworks, car parks, school sports, and other situations where a high level of safety is necessary. Besides being highly visible, traffic cones are also incredibly easy to move. They are also available in different sizes and colors. In addition, some of them have signs that capable to attach to them or chains or bars to hold them up. Regardless of the situation, traffic cones have many uses and greatly benefit the community.
Instant Safety:
Since traffic cones are highly visible, they can effectively warn drivers and pedestrians of a potential threat. They can also serve as a safety measure for businesses hosting large gatherings. Because of their high visibility, traffic cone are placed anywhere in a public space, a city street, a suburban street, or an industrial site. In addition to their usefulness in traffic control, you can also use them to mark construction sites and sports venues.
In an emergency, traffic cones can alert drivers and provide an instant safety measure. Some professionals, like EMTs, must carry at least five light-up cones in their vehicles. In addition, work zone safety regulations require at least one cone every 20 feet along the boundary, spanning the entire area. In 1940, Charles P. Scanlon developed the first patented safety cone. The original design is made of rubber and is fashioned by sewing used tire skins together.
Lightweight:
These portable safety items are customary to direct traffic in special situations. Because of their lightweight, easy-to-transport design, they are convenient for use in different settings and are easily accessible to vehicles. To keep them at hand, consider purchasing a variety of traffic cones from Gregg Distributors. This way, you’ll have a variety of options for different situations. You’ll also be able to save money while ensuring the safety of your children’s play area.
Initially, traffic cone were wooden barriers made from scrap tires. Later, traffic cones became more modern made from molded rubber sheets. The early ones were prone to damage by vehicles and were difficult to store. In 1947, the Interstate Rubber Products Corp. began manufacturing traffic cones. These lightweight, easy-to-move devices were more durable than wooden traffic markers. Traffic cone are still widely suitable as a temporary traffic control tool for construction sites.
Portable and Stackable:
Traffic cones are heavy-duty, cone-shaped markers. It is customary to create separate lanes for traffic during construction and emergencies such as automobile accidents. Their most common use, though, is to control traffic flow. Traffic cone are easily recognizable and highly conspicuous, giving drivers and pedestrians an immediate warning of obstructions on the road. They also mark restricted areas, such as parking lots and construction sites. These stackable road safety tools are also portable and stackable, making them ideal for various applications.
Durability
A molded cone resists impact, and its high-intensity reflective collar is durable and snaps back into place when hit. Its wide body and stackable design make it a convenient option for roadside traffic control. Traffic-Shop offers complete sets that include chains, ribbons, and hooks. The latter can be particularly useful if there is a large traffic volume. The traffic cones are also available in multi-colored options.
Traffic cones are stackable and stored in any basement or garage. They’re also affordable, so any family can invest in a set of traffic cones to increase the safety of their children’s play areas. The MTi Group traffic cone have a black base with a reflective band around the center. These products are stackable and feature keyhole slots to mount toggled traffic rails. They also have reflective collars for nighttime use.
MUTCD Compliant:
Traffic cones mark temporary traffic control zones and are generally regulated by state and federal laws. International regulations are also available for traffic cone, road signs, and portable warning devices. Listed below are the minimum requirements for these devices. Please note that some states may have additional requirements for certain traffic control devices. If in doubt, consult a traffic safety professional to determine if traffic cones meet your needs.
Traffic cones are ideal during road construction projects or to warn drivers of traffic hazards. They are suitable for marking children’s play areas. According to the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), traffic cones must be reflective. These are available with reflective bands or collars that are either permanently attached or removable using adhesive. Flashing lights can also enhance their visibility. Depending on the circumstances, a traffic cone can be MUTCD compliant or non-compliant.
MUTCD compliance is a must when buying traffic cones. You can find these signs in various colors and materials. Traffic cones come in two basic styles, regular and yellow-green. Traffic drums are extra-large versions of traffic cones. They are suitable for certain roadside tasks, such as constructing buildings or highways. Depending on their size, they serve in multiple applications, including construction, parking lots, and other public areas.
NCHRP 350 Compliant:
Before approving traffic control devices for use on public roads, the FHWA must evaluate them for eligibility in NCHRP 350. To receive this approval, manufacturers of traffic control devices must submit specifications, a brochure, and an FHWA eligibility letter. The manufacturer must also maintain a test matrix that meets all NCHRP 350 eligibility criteria. After the manufacturer completes the evaluation, the product is listed on the Approved Products List.
Before purchasing traffic cones, agencies should know if they’re Category 2 or Category 3 compliant. Category 2 devices are required to meet NCHRP 350 standards, while Category 3 must be MASH 2016 compliant. The FHWA has indicated that agencies may phase out non-compliant Category 2 devices until the entire road is NCHRP 350 compliant. By January 1, 2002, all Category 2 devices must be NCHRP350 compliant. Projects before October 1, 1999, are exempt from this requirement.
Recommendations:
When using traffic cones for construction sites, it’s important to remember that the optimal placement of traffic cones depends on several factors. For example, larger construction sites require more traffic cones. A tapered cone pattern keeps traffic in the lane farthest from the construction zone. For this reason, traffic cones need space evenly to prevent accidents. And once they’re placed, they’re quick and easy to move!
If you are unsure of the requirements for Category III traffic barriers, consider a portable folding barricade kit. These systems are easy to set up and disassemble. They come with recycled rubber/steel legs and heavy-duty plastic rails in four to twelve-foot lengths. You can even purchase traffic barriers with lights. These traffic barriers are NCHRP 350-certified, making them an excellent choice for any work zone or general traffic safety application.