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 is another material that has been used for many years. A lot of municipalities prefer it to paint because it contains no solvents at all and is therefore a better choice for the environment. Other cities prefer it because it is more easily seen at night and in poor weather. It lasts longer than paint in cool climates, but is less long lasting in hotter regions. In order for it to adhere properly the pavement must be prepared with some type of primer.
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 often put down as a temporary marker to direct traffic while roads are under construction or being repaired. It is becoming more commonly used as permanent markings. The initial cost is higher than paint or thermoplastic, but it is easy to repair if it tears or comes loose. Tape comes from the factory in big rolls and is usually applied to the pavement with the use of an adhesive.
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 is another material that has been used for many years. A lot of municipalities prefer it to paint because it contains no solvents at all and is therefore a better choice for the environment. Other cities prefer it because it is more easily seen at night and in poor weather. It lasts longer than paint in cool climates, but is less long lasting in hotter regions. In order for it to adhere properly the pavement must be prepared with some type of primer.
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 often put down as a temporary marker to direct traffic while roads are under construction or being repaired. It is becoming more commonly used as permanent markings. The initial cost is higher than paint or thermoplastic, but it is easy to repair if it tears or comes loose. Tape comes from the factory in big rolls and is usually applied to the pavement with the use of an adhesive.
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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