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 markers were the first pavement signage in the United States and are still the most common. It was in 1911 when Michigan drivers first saw the markers. The painted markers seen today may be non-reflective or reflective. They are created from four basic materials. The most widely used are the solvent borne paints. Water borne paints are becoming much more common because of an increasing concern for the environment.
Thermoplastic is another material that has been used for many years. A lot of municipalities prefer it to paint because it contains no solvents at all and is therefore a better choice for the environment. Other cities prefer it because it is more easily seen at night and in poor weather. It lasts longer than paint in cool climates, but is less long lasting in hotter regions. In order for it to adhere properly the pavement must be prepared with some type of primer.
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 often put down as a temporary marker to direct traffic while roads are under construction or being repaired. It is becoming more commonly used as permanent markings. The initial cost is higher than paint or thermoplastic, but it is easy to repair if it tears or comes loose. Tape comes from the factory in big rolls and is usually applied to the pavement with the use of an adhesive.
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 markers were the first pavement signage in the United States and are still the most common. It was in 1911 when Michigan drivers first saw the markers. The painted markers seen today may be non-reflective or reflective. They are created from four basic materials. The most widely used are the solvent borne paints. Water borne paints are becoming much more common because of an increasing concern for the environment.
Thermoplastic is another material that has been used for many years. A lot of municipalities prefer it to paint because it contains no solvents at all and is therefore a better choice for the environment. Other cities prefer it because it is more easily seen at night and in poor weather. It lasts longer than paint in cool climates, but is less long lasting in hotter regions. In order for it to adhere properly the pavement must be prepared with some type of primer.
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 often put down as a temporary marker to direct traffic while roads are under construction or being repaired. It is becoming more commonly used as permanent markings. The initial cost is higher than paint or thermoplastic, but it is easy to repair if it tears or comes loose. Tape comes from the factory in big rolls and is usually applied to the pavement with the use of an adhesive.
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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