Traffic cones are easily recognized as a common safety device worldwide. These brightly colored cones can be found almost anywhere, from construction zones and busy streets to shopping mall parking lots and athletic fields. They can even be seen indoors, along stairways and corridors where extra caution is called for.

Highly visible, durable, and portable, traffic and safety cones provide an immediate warning of potential danger. While cones are most commonly used as a traffic control device, they have become a multi-purpose safety tool that is useful in countless situations.

Turning back the clocks at the end of Daylight Savings Time means the sun goes down earlier and the days seem much shorter. Fewer hours of daylight also can mean more risks for drivers and pedestrians, as their ability to see clearly declines. Studies examining the impact of Daylight Savings Time show that driver performance deteriorates under poor lighting conditions due to issues like diminished reaction times and the ability to judge stopping distances.

Orange traffic cones are a familiar sight on highways and city streets across the country. While it’s impossible to know the exact number, by some estimates there are roughly 140 million traffic cones in use worldwide.

They divide lanes in construction zones, provide direction around short-duration road maintenance and utility work, and warn drivers of unseen hazards such as potholes and raised manhole covers. They are also seen in parking lots, on athletic fields, and even indoors in areas where extra caution is needed.

Traffic cones are designed to be highly visible and easily movable. They come in various sizes and many different colors, with orange, yellow, and red being the most popular choices due to their brightness. Some versions can be topped with signs or connected with bars or chains.

From bridge repair and hazardous road conditions to seasonal events, there are countless projects and occasions that require the use of temporary or semi-permanent signage. Whether the situation calls for hourly, daily or longer-term use, portable traffic sign bases and poles can provide the visibility, control and security needed to keep workers, pedestrians and motorists informed and safe.

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive forces. On average, six hurricanes will form during each Atlantic hurricane season and two during the Pacific hurricane season. The season is in full swing in both regions through November 30, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas we have seen the damage these storms can cause.

Every natural disaster is unique, and emergency responders have to quickly adapt to the ever-changing nature of a crisis. However, while speed is crucial during rescue and recover efforts, the need for safety is just as important as it is before and during a storm. Here are some of the basic essentials to have on hand so that emergency response teams, disaster recovery crews and volunteers can be ready to assist those in need and have access to the right equipment to help them stay safe.

Across the country, students, teachers and administrators have said goodbye to summer and headed back to the classroom. At Traffic Safety Direct, we are also in “back-to-school” mode, working to meet the needs of educational institutions from preschool through college. While we help schools stock the usual supplies like paint for athletic fields, parking signs, and snowplows and spreaders to keep the grounds clear, we have been busy creating plenty of custom signs and banners as well.

The trend towards being more environmentally friendly in terms of the products and services we use can be seen in the way towns, cities and local governments are using renewable energy to improve safety on our roads and highways. Solar energy is becoming a popular option to power everything from traffic lights to stop signs, providing better overall visibility and saving money – and the planet – in the process.  

The obvious advantage of using solar powered traffic signs is they do not use fossil fuel energy. Solar is less polluting than coal, oil or natural gas, making it a more environmentally friend source of energy. Solar powered signs wherever there is sunlight, and the power is harnessed and stored in each sign’s battery so it continues to work all year long.

Planning large-scale events can be quite a challenge. Organizers must manage an endless list of responsibilities and details to ensure that everything goes smoothly, from permitting, concessions and entertainment to recruiting volunteers, parking and attendee safety. The larger the event, the more important it is to ensure that crowd control measures are in place. The easier it is for pedestrians and vehicles to navigate in and out of the event, the less likely accidents are to occur.

Counties and municipalities are often responsible for ensuring public safety at the many parades, festivals and other activities that take place in their communities. When events impact driver and/or pedestrian traffic routes, maps should be created that clearly delineate street closures and detours, and local businesses and residents need to be notified of any street closures affecting them well in advance.

A wide variety of crowd control and traffic safety products are available to help ensure that events are safe and enjoyable for all involved. Traffic barricades can be used to define boundaries, restrict access to specific areas and make street closures obvious for visitors on foot and in vehicles, making them a vital part of any plan to keep event participants safe.

Signed into law in 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was a major stepping-stone in ensuring equal rights for all Americans with disabilities. All businesses and privately held facilities are obligated to follow ADA guidelines. The law requires commercial parking lots and pedestrian paths to be accessible to everyone. This includes providing the disabled with parking spaces that offer ample access for vehicles as well as other mobility aids such as wheelchairs and power chairs.

Thousands of pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents each year, and many thousands more are injured. Pedestrian safety remains a top priority, and cities and towns across the country and around the globe continue to investigate more effective ways to improve crosswalk safety.