Do you run a utility or tow truck company? Are you looking for more information about how you can make the job of your people on the road a bit easier? If so, one feature that needs to be considered is safety cones. These are an essential part of any company that needs to access the road and also ensure that those driving on the road, as well as your staff, stay safe.
However, it is not as simple as just choosing a set of cones to put out. There are many factrors that need to be considered, which will be looked at in the following article.
Size and Weight
There is little to no point in buying traffic cones that are too small or too light to do their intended job. Based on the intended usage of the cones, you will need to make sure that they are tall enough to be seen by drivers and cyclists and, of course, you will need to check that they are heavy enough to stay in place (this is more important if you are digging up the road during wet or windy weather). The weight of a cone ranges from 4.5 lbs to 7 lbs, so make sure the ones you choose are up to the job of staying in place!
Visibility
Next up, you need to think about the visibility of the cones you pick. Most safety cones have a strip of reflective tape at the base, which makes them visible to driving motorists. However, you should consider the area that they are going to be placed in, to see if they stand out enough to attract attention and divert traffic. To be safe, many utility and tow truck companies opt for fluorescent yellow and orange.
Portability
This is a catch-22 situation when it comes to cones; they need to be heavy enough to stay in place but also need to be light enough to be portable.
You should also look at the shape of the cone; the majority have a pointed top, but you will want to check that the cones you choose are easy to stack, as this will help with moving them as and when you need to.
Material
You will want to make sure that the material that the cone is made from is weather-resistant. Ergo, most companies who need to use safety cones opt for cones that are made from plastic. This will ensure that you get your money’s worth in the long term, as it will take a fair while for the sun, the wind, and the rain to break down the cone.
Durability
In a similar vein, are the cones shatterproof? Most cones that are made from PVC or other heavy-duty plastics can withstand being dropped and blown over, so make sure that when you choose the right cones for your business, they are hardy. Again, this will ensure that you get your money’s worth, and will also ensure that the cones you put up are not damaged in extreme weather, or collisions with cars!
