Driving safely and attentively should be a top priority for every driver. You have a responsibility when driving a motorized vehicle, not only to yourself but also to other drivers, passengers, and anyone else who may be affected by a traffic accident. Even the pedestrians should be aware of the possible dangers on the road to avoid any mishaps.
It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to traffic control and safety devices whenever you are outdoors. For instance, if you see 36 traffic cones (36”) lined up, you must understand that there’s construction work going on, or that area isn’t safe to enter. This article will help you learn about various traffic safety devices used in every state.
7 types of traffic safety devices
- Traffic safety barriers
The installation of traffic safety barriers facilitates standard safety procedures and social distancing. The presence of more visible barriers on sidewalks makes it easier for pedestrians to see where they cannot walk.
Various types of traffic barriers are used around construction sites to help drivers navigate easily, such as Type 2 Folding Barricade Steel Legs, Barrier Board, 10′ Barrier Board, etc.
- Traffic bollards
Traffic bollards are also necessary traffic control devices since they can prevent property damage in accidents or deliberate or accidental crashes.
Pedestrians should feel safe in their surroundings, knowing they are protected from harm. Property should also be protected from severe damage or destruction, which can happen in case of ram-raidings, which are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Traffic posts provide physical and visual protection and can be removable, collapsible, or fixed. These bollards will offer sufficient vehicle damage protection in a wide range of types of locations while also protecting pedestrian entrances and vehicular access points.
- Traffic cones
Traffic cones are an everyday sight on highways and active roadways, as they’re easy to deploy and store and have adequate markings for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Since road cones are made from polyethylene plastic, they are lightweight, stackable, and durable and can withstand harsh weather and direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Traffic cones come in various sizes, such as
- 18″ traffic cones- used in landscaping, parking, and athletic fields
- 28″ traffic cones- used in hazardous places
- 36 traffic cones (36”)- used in entryways, industrial and utility facilities
Traffic cones come in a variety of colors that might get you confused. Here’s a quick overview of all the cone colors:
- Red cones: Indicate imminent danger that can lead to death.
- Orange cones: Indicate danger that can cause serious injury.
- Yellow cones: Indicate potentially hazardous situations that pose a low risk of injury.
- Green cones: Indicate first-aid stations at sporting events.
- Blue cones: Indicate non-hazardous risks and designate handicapped-specific parking spaces.
- White cones: Mark safe areas, as well as restrooms and doorways.
- Traffic signs
Traffic signs are essential to direct traffic in a specific direction. Traffic signals should generally meet the criteria of attracting attention, providing meaning, allowing a sufficient amount of time for response, and minimizing wasted time.
Green, yellow, and red traffic light signals typically indicate when it is safe for drivers to move forward, while pedestrian signals indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross. You can see other road signs such as hump, crossroads ahead, roundabout, etc.
These traffic control devices are usually limited to areas where there are main roads; however, you can find them in streets and lanes.
- Crash attenuators
Crash attenuators and impact attenuators are used to reduce structural damage, vehicle damage, and driver injury during accidents. By absorbing the impact, they can reduce the damage to the vehicles.
- Traffic paddles
Traffic paddles are portable, handheld signs that resemble paddles. Flaggers or the police often use these signs to direct traffic patterns, thus preventing collisions.
- Road markings
Road markings are also traffic safety equipment applied to the road itself. You can see them as markings on the pavement, curbs, islands, or fixed objects nearby consisting of lines, patterns, words, reflectors, or symbols.
These include
- Pavement markings: Markings on the road made of yellow or white paint indicating parking restrictions, lanes, crossings, etc.
- Curb markings: These indicate parking restrictions or other information. They may have alternating black and white lines, increasing visibility from a distance.
- Object markings: These indicate physical hazards and obstructions to alert drivers and pedestrians.
- Reflectors: Many hazard markers reflect light from up to 500 feet, making them a great way to guide drivers at night.
Now that you know various types of traffic control and safety devices, you must also be aware of road safety habits. For example, while driving a two-wheeler, wear a helmet, and while driving a car, put on your seatbelt.
