If drivers were asked, they would probably say that traffic lights and road signs give them the information they need to drive safely and obey the laws. Most drivers take the traffic markings on the road for granted. They are so used to these subtle signs, they don't always appreciate how important they are. Officials make decisions all the time regarding the pavement marking AR drivers see.
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 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 often hated by drivers who try to go over them too quickly, even when they have had advance warning about them. These markers, or buttons, are extremely effective at getting drivers' attention. They have the added advantage of being raised above the pavement, which makes them easy to see when it is raining.
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 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 often hated by drivers who try to go over them too quickly, even when they have had advance warning about them. These markers, or buttons, are extremely effective at getting drivers' attention. They have the added advantage of being raised above the pavement, which makes them easy to see when it is raining.
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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