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How Officials Decide Which Pavement Marking AR Drivers Will See On The Roadways

By Gregory Murray


Most people acknowledge that traffic signals, road signs, and flashing lights are visual reminders of the rules of the road. Many underestimate the importance of markings on the roadways however. Transportation officials take seriously the job of deciding what materials to use to make road markers as clear and noticeable as possible. A lot of planning goes into the pavement marking AR drivers rely on each day.

The Department of Transportation in every state has to decide how to apply markers to the roadways. They take into account the traffic count, function and location, climate, availability of equipment, labor force, cost versus life span, type of paving materials, and how much money they have to work with. All of these factors come into play when the various authorities set out their budgets every year.

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 extremely effective even though many drivers complain about them. Most people have experienced the jolting motion and noise associated with speeding over the buttons instead of slowing down. Unlike the other types of markings, these markers are easily seen in rainy conditions because they lift up from the roadway.

The Department of Transportation makes every effort to keep drivers safe. It provides clear instructions in the form of roadway markings, signs, cones, and warning lights. It is up to drivers to pay attention to them.




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