Driving is so much a part of most people's lives they don't even think about how they make some crucial decisions when they are on the road. There are good reasons you don't pass on hills, turn left, or drive in the emergency lane. Drivers aren't always conscious of how much direction traffic markings are giving them constantly. A lot goes into deciding where, how, and what materials make up all the pavement marking AR drivers see everyday.
There are pros and cons to all the materials used to make the roads safer. Whether officials decide to use tapes, raised markers, thermoplastic, paint, or reflective beads is based on a wide range of factors. These factors include the daily traffic count, the function, the location, kind of pavement, availability of labor, equipment needed, life span versus cost, and how much money they have allocated in the annual budget.
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.
A lot of drivers complain about raised markers, but that may be because they are so effective. Most people have hit these markers while going too fast and experienced the jolt and noise that accompanies that mistake. Raised markers are especially effective during rain events because they are raised above the normal waterline and can be clearly seen.
Safety is the primary concern when officials make decisions about roadway markings. They want them to be easy to recognize and clearly visible. It is up to drivers to obey their instructions.
There are pros and cons to all the materials used to make the roads safer. Whether officials decide to use tapes, raised markers, thermoplastic, paint, or reflective beads is based on a wide range of factors. These factors include the daily traffic count, the function, the location, kind of pavement, availability of labor, equipment needed, life span versus cost, and how much money they have allocated in the annual budget.
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.
A lot of drivers complain about raised markers, but that may be because they are so effective. Most people have hit these markers while going too fast and experienced the jolt and noise that accompanies that mistake. Raised markers are especially effective during rain events because they are raised above the normal waterline and can be clearly seen.
Safety is the primary concern when officials make decisions about roadway markings. They want them to be easy to recognize and clearly visible. It is up to drivers to obey their instructions.
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