With the lifting of most COVID restrictions, people are eager to get out and enjoy all that summer has to offer. The array of outdoor fairs, flea markets, parades, sporting events, and concerts, coupled with employees returning to the workplace, is resulting in more traffic – both vehicular and pedestrian – than we’ve seen in a very long time.

We are seeing increased demand for traffic cones and delineator posts, barricades, and various types of signage from hospitals as well as local organizations involved in setting up and managing coronavirus testing sites. Businesses and municipalities that have had to adjust their hours or limit car and pedestrian access to buildings, schools, parking lots, and parks because of social distancing restrictions are also in need of signs and safety products.

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.