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.
Whether markings are made with paint, thermoplastic, reflective beads, tapes, or raised markers depends on a variety of factors. The Department of Transportation has to take into account the climate, location and function, traffic count, type of pavement, cost versus estimated life expectancy, availability of labor and equipment, and how much money is in the budget. Each of these factors is weighed before any work is begun.
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 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.
Driving safely should be the number one rule on the road. Following the visual instruction traffic markings send is critical. It can make the difference between life and death.
Whether markings are made with paint, thermoplastic, reflective beads, tapes, or raised markers depends on a variety of factors. The Department of Transportation has to take into account the climate, location and function, traffic count, type of pavement, cost versus estimated life expectancy, availability of labor and equipment, and how much money is in the budget. Each of these factors is weighed before any work is begun.
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 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.
Driving safely should be the number one rule on the road. Following the visual instruction traffic markings send is critical. It can make the difference between life and death.
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