Traffic cones and barricades are essential tools for managing and controlling traffic in work zones. These products help create a safer working environment, reduce the risk of accidents and protect the well-being of your workers and the public.

When Should I Use Traffic Cones and Barricades?

Here are some of the most common reasons why you might need traffic cones and barricades:

• Marking Work Zones and Other Hazardous Areas: Traffic cones and barricades are often placed around hazardous areas, such as roadwork, construction sites or uneven surfaces. They act as a physical barrier and communicate that individuals should avoid those specific areas.
• Traffic Control/Lane Closures: Traffic cones and barricades are commonly used to divert or redirect traffic, indicating changes in lanes or routes.
• In Conjunction with Temporary Signage or Tape: Traffic cones and barricades can be fitted with signs or reflective tape to convey specific messages or warnings to drivers and pedestrians.
• Parking/Event Management: Traffic cones and barricades are often used to mark off specific parking areas, especially in temporary or event-related situations.
• Emergency Situations: In emergency situations, such as accidents or road closures, Traffic cones and barricades can be quickly deployed to guide traffic away from the affected area and create a safe space for emergency responders.

What are the types of traffic cones?

When selecting traffic cones, you'll find various options in terms of sizes and brands available to suit your needs. The choice of a specific type of traffic cone depends on its intended use and the desired level of visibility. Below are several commonly encountered types of traffic cones:

• Standard Traffic Cones are typically made of PVC or rubber material. They are often constructed with bands of reflective material to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
• Collapsible Traffic Cones are a popular choice with law enforcement and first responders because they can be easily stored in a trunk or flatbed and quickly deployed during a roadside emergency.
• Weighted Base Traffic Cones are more stable and less prone to tipping over in windy conditions or when bumped by passing vehicles.
  • TrafFix Grabber Cones are made of flexible, low-density polyethylene to allow for rebounding and reshaping, making this cone an excellent option. Compared to traditional traffic cones, Grabber cones are much easier to move and stack, and, for this reason, are often preferred in many construction work zones.
• LED Traffic Cones come with built-in LED lights, providing additional visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
• Traffic Delineator Cones have vertical panels or reflective strips that run from the top to the bottom, improving visibility from a distance.

Traffic barricades: common types

Like traffic cones, your choice of traffic barricades you choose will be dependent on your workplace application.

Type I, Type II, and Type III barricades serve to indicate road detours, closures, and similar situations. The numerical rating indicates the quantity of reflective rails present on each type of sign (for instance, a Type II sign features two reflective rails).

• Type I Barricades are used for pedestrian traffic control and low-speed roadways.
• Type II Barricades are ideal for nighttime usage and on higher speed roads, such as expressways.
• Type III Barricades are typically used for road closings.
• Due to their larger size and the fact that they feature a two-sided reflective board, A-Frame Barricades are also popularly used for road closures or crowd control.

What are roll-up traffic signs?

Did you know that studies have shown that signs that warn of dangers and hazards in the workplace and in outdoor work zones can reduce accident rates as much as 80%?

Depending on the environment in which the sign or label will be placed, we offer a variety of signage options with a range of messages.

• Our mesh options are perfect for busy highways where wind resistance is key.
• Our reflective options are preferable for nighttime work activities.

We recommend roll-up signs to enhance traffic control in both construction and roadway environments.

Remember, when choosing a traffic cone, barricade or sign, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of the intended application, including visibility conditions, stability needs and any additional features that may enhance traffic safety and effectiveness.

Related: Learn more about all of our traffic safety products here.

Feel free to contact our Safety Support Team to help you select the right leather traffic cones and barricades for your particular workplace. In almost any situation you have, we can offer you traffic safety options that best fit your budget or specific needs, allowing your employees to work safely and efficiently.