Delineators are traffic control products like barriers, vertical panels, and cones. They guide users along hazardous roads, construction areas, and accident scenes. Installing traffic delineators improves safety and notifies drivers about boundaries. Still, you must choose the right equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when getting traffic delineators.
The Speed of Traffic in the Area of Use
Speed limits are an essential consideration when looking for the right traffic delineators. Small delineators feature reflective stickers of about 30 by 7.5 inches and are suitable for areas with slow traffic.
While the equipment may not be visible from a considerable distance, drivers have enough time to react since they will be moving slowly. Use small traffic delineators in areas with a speed limit of 15 mph. Such include school zones and blind intersections.
Medium-size traffic delineators are approximately 40 by 10 inches. Their larger size makes it easy for drivers to spot them from a long distance. You can use them for areas with a speed limit of 45 mph.
Large traffic delineators offer the best visibility and give drivers adequate time to react. Their reflective sticker measures about 50 by 10 inches. Still, these dimensions can differ depending on the shape of the delineator and its manufacturer. Use large delineators to control traffic in areas with a limit of over 65 mph.
State Guidelines
Each state has regulations regarding traffic delineators. For example, Georgia requires that each has a reflective surface of at least 26 square inches. Besides, you can only use a particular traffic cone height for each speed limit. Each delineator must also be at a constant distance from the road or pavement edge.
Before purchasing traffic delineators, review your state’s guidelines. Ensure that the tapes have the right degree of reflectiveness. Likewise, pick the right color depending on the purpose of the delineators.
The Type of Reflective Tape on the Delineator
Traffic delineators often feature reflective tapes and blinking lights. While the lights are usually of standard quality, this isn’t always true for the tapes. They come in various grades with different photometric, which determine the brightness and the intensity of reflected light.
Manufacturers often use two types of tapes on traffic delineators. These are glass beads and prismatic. Glass bead tapes are cheaper than prism ones. You can also cut them into the desired shapes or numbers. Still, these tapes are less reflective and unsuitable for fast-traffic areas.
Traffic delineators with glass bead reflective tapes disperse more light. Hence, they aren’t fully visible from a long distance but can be suitable for traffic control at closer ranges. Such delineators will light up quickly as a driver approaches, and they can divert, provided they aren’t driving fast.
Prismatic tapes are the best option if you want road users to see traffic delineators from a long distance. These have lower dispersion and reflect about 80% of the light. Choose delineators with such tapes to control traffic in dark sections and maximum speed zones.
Select the Right Traffic Delineators for the Job
Traffic delineators are essential during any asphalt or concrete construction job. At Georgia’s Wildcat Paving, we will help you choose and install the right equipment for your project.
Contact us today for efficient traffic control when paving.
