How to Select the Right Traffic Cone for the Job
Traffic cones are an essential part of any construction or road work project. They help direct traffic flow, protect pedestrians and workers, and ensure the safety of everyone involved. But with so many different types and sizes of traffic cones available, how do you know which one is right for your project? Keep reading to find out.
Size Matters
When it comes to traffic cones, size definitely matters. Smaller traffic cones are typically used for things like delineating parking spaces or marking hazards in pedestrian areas. Medium-sized traffic cones are good for directing traffic around construction zones or other obstacles in the roadway. And large traffic cones are best for blocking off entire lanes of traffic or creating physical barriers between workers and oncoming traffic.
Material Matters, Too
Traffic cones are usually made from either plastic or rubber. Plastic traffic cones are lighter weight and typically more affordable than rubber traffic cones. However, they’re also less durable and can be easily knocked over by passing vehicles. Rubber traffic cones, on the other hand, are much heavier and more difficult to move, but they’re also more resistant to being hit or knocked over.
Consider Visibility
Depending on the time of day or night your project will be taking place, you may need to consider the visibility of your wheel stops. For example, if you’ll be working at night or in low-light conditions, you’ll want to make sure your traffic cone is equipped with reflective tape or a light-up top so that it’s visible to oncoming traffic.
Choose the Right Colour
Believe it or not, the colour of your traffic cone can also be important. For example, red is typically used for stop signs and fire engines because it’s associated with danger. Orange is often used for construction zones because it’s seen as a warning colour. And green is sometimes used in pedestrian areas because it’s seen as a safe colour.
Understand the Various Traffic Cone Types
Knowing your options is necessary before selecting the ideal traffic cone for the task. Cones with a black base and solid orange cones are the two basic forms that have been approved for usage in public and by the law. The lightweight, solid orange cones come in a range of sizes and are ideal for marking indoor dangers or controlling foot traffic during sporting events and maintenance areas. Cones with a black base are much bigger and heavier and can be used on roads; they are also referred to as construction traffic cones.
Conclusion:
With so many different types and sizes of traffic cones available on the market today, it can be tough to know which one is right for your project. But by considering factors like size, material, visibility, and colour, you can narrow down your options and choose the best traffic cone for the job at hand.
