Are you in the market for traffic cones? While this seems like a straightforward purchase, there is actually a lot to consider. Whether this is for a construction site, airport, traffic school, event, or emergency response, there will be a few key factors that you need to consider before making a purchase. Traffic cones can play a hugely important role in safety and traffic efficiency, so it is a purchase that you need to get right. With this in mind, this post will take you through the key considerations when purchasing traffic cones so that you can arrive at the right decision.
The Purpose
First, you need to determine the purpose. There are many industries and situations where traffic cones are required (as mentioned in the intro), and the purpose will determine the kind and number that you need. If you need cones for use on construction sites, for example, then these will need to be heavy-duty to withstand the challenging environment. Meanwhile, if it is for emergency response, you need easily portable and highly visible cones.
Material
Next, you can decide on the material, as this can affect the weight and durability. The most common materials include:
- PVC: The most common type due to flexibility and durability, making them ideal for various outdoor environments.
- Rubber: A heavier option often used in high-traffic areas or construction sites.
- Polyethylene: A lightweight option ideal for indoor use or for temporary purposes.
Size
The size of traffic cones can vary greatly, so you will need to consider the purpose of the cone and how important visibility is. Standard orange traffic cones are generally available from 12 to 36 inches, with smaller sizes best for indoor use and small events, while larger cones are for roadways and construction sites where visibility is key.
Reflectivity
Obviously, visibility is always important for a traffic cone. This is why traffic cones are usually available in fluorescent colors, usually orange but sometimes green or yellow. There are also situations where cones need reflective collars so that they can be seen in low-light conditions, such as airports.
Weight & Base Design
You must also consider the weight and base design requirements of your traffic cones. For cones used in challenging environments or in extreme weather, you will want a weighted base, but keep in mind that these are harder to move. Cones with a wide base can also provide stability and will be harder to knock over.
Supplier
Once you have considered the above factors, you can then choose a supplier. It is always worthwhile finding leading traffic cone suppliers so that you know you are getting the best products and services. You can also be sure that they will have the widest range of traffic cones available, allowing you to choose the perfect shape, size, color, and weight for your project. You may even be able to get a special size or color made just for you.
Buying traffic cones can be an important decision for decision-makers in many industries, so the above are a few of the key factors you will need to consider to arrive at the right decision.
