Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Officials Choose Pavement Marking AR Drivers See Based On A Number Of Factors

By Gregory Murray


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.

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.

Paint was the first material ever used to mark the roadways for drivers. Today paint is still the most popular and widely used material. Of the four base materials used in its manufacture, three are solvent borne, and one is water borne. The solvent borne are the most common, but because it is more environmentally friendly, the water borne paint is being applied more often than in the past.

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.

Thermoplastics and paint do not have the ability to reflect in their natural states. Without the addition of some reflective element driving at night and during bad weather can be risky. At the present time, glass beads are the preferred method to create reflection on the roadways. Their shape and transparency makes them naturally reflective.

Tape is also used for permanent and temporary markings. The materials are factory made and distributed in rolls that are applied to the pavement, sometimes with the use of an adhesive. The cost of tape is relatively high, but the life span is comparable to the other markings if the tape is put down properly. It is also easy to repair and replace tape that becomes 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.

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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