Most people acknowledge that traffic signals, road signs, and flashing lights are visual reminders of the rules of the road. Many underestimate the importance of markings on the roadways however. Transportation officials take seriously the job of deciding what materials to use to make road markers as clear and noticeable as possible. A lot of planning goes into the pavement marking AR drivers rely on each day.
Whether markings are made with paint, thermoplastic, reflective beads, tapes, or raised markers depends on a variety of factors. The Department of Transportation has to take into account the climate, location and function, traffic count, type of pavement, cost versus estimated life expectancy, availability of labor and equipment, and how much money is in the budget. Each of these factors is weighed before any work is begun.
Painted markings are the most common and the oldest form of traffic direction. They were introduced in Michigan at the turn of the twentieth century. Paint can be either reflective or non-reflective and is manufactured from four base materials. Three are solvent borne and the most commonly used, but water borne paint is becoming more widely used because of environmental concerns.
Thermoplastic materials have been around since before World War Two and, since they don't contain any solvents, are preferred by many municipalities. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than paint, but they are more effective at night and in wet conditions. In warm climates, they last longer than paint. Thermoplastic is not however as durable under cold conditions. In order to maximize the usefulness, the surface must be prepared with a primer or other treatment prior to application.
Neither paint nor thermoplastic is naturally reflective. This is not an issue during daylight hours and good weather, but nighttime conditions, especially when rain or fog are involved, can make driving hazardous without the use of some reflective material. Glass beads are currently the preferred method of creating reflective traffic paint and thermoplastic. They are naturally reflective because of their shape and transparency.
Tape is being increasingly used on a permanent basis. It has a higher initial cost, and in the past was mostly used on a temporary basis to direct traffic in areas of road construction and repair. Tapes come in rolls from the factory and are applied directly to the roadway with or without the addition of an adhesive. Tape lasts as long as other materials and is easy to repair if it gets loose or torn.
Raised markers are extremely effective even though many drivers complain about them. Most people have experienced the jolting motion and noise associated with speeding over the buttons instead of slowing down. Unlike the other types of markings, these markers are easily seen in rainy conditions because they lift up from the roadway.
Driving safely should be the number one rule on the road. Following the visual instruction traffic markings send is critical. It can make the difference between life and death.
Whether markings are made with paint, thermoplastic, reflective beads, tapes, or raised markers depends on a variety of factors. The Department of Transportation has to take into account the climate, location and function, traffic count, type of pavement, cost versus estimated life expectancy, availability of labor and equipment, and how much money is in the budget. Each of these factors is weighed before any work is begun.
Painted markings are the most common and the oldest form of traffic direction. They were introduced in Michigan at the turn of the twentieth century. Paint can be either reflective or non-reflective and is manufactured from four base materials. Three are solvent borne and the most commonly used, but water borne paint is becoming more widely used because of environmental concerns.
Thermoplastic materials have been around since before World War Two and, since they don't contain any solvents, are preferred by many municipalities. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than paint, but they are more effective at night and in wet conditions. In warm climates, they last longer than paint. Thermoplastic is not however as durable under cold conditions. In order to maximize the usefulness, the surface must be prepared with a primer or other treatment prior to application.
Neither paint nor thermoplastic is naturally reflective. This is not an issue during daylight hours and good weather, but nighttime conditions, especially when rain or fog are involved, can make driving hazardous without the use of some reflective material. Glass beads are currently the preferred method of creating reflective traffic paint and thermoplastic. They are naturally reflective because of their shape and transparency.
Tape is being increasingly used on a permanent basis. It has a higher initial cost, and in the past was mostly used on a temporary basis to direct traffic in areas of road construction and repair. Tapes come in rolls from the factory and are applied directly to the roadway with or without the addition of an adhesive. Tape lasts as long as other materials and is easy to repair if it gets loose or torn.
Raised markers are extremely effective even though many drivers complain about them. Most people have experienced the jolting motion and noise associated with speeding over the buttons instead of slowing down. Unlike the other types of markings, these markers are easily seen in rainy conditions because they lift up from the roadway.
Driving safely should be the number one rule on the road. Following the visual instruction traffic markings send is critical. It can make the difference between life and death.
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