Traffic cone size and types : You should must know
If you want to ensure pedestrians' safety on a busy road or want to keep the crowd away from the construction or hazardous area, there is no better alternative than using traffic cones in those spots. You will find these cones from as small as 2 inches to as big as 36 inches. Except for the size, there are different types of traffic cones depending on their colors and design.
About traffic cones
A traffic cone is a traffic marker that comes with a pointed top and is used on the buys pathways and roads to maintain the safety of the vehicles as well as the pedestrians. In every buys cities and towns, numerous vehicles are plying on the road and there are frequent accidents because of not taking adequate measures on some roads.
From thinking of the safety of the vehicles and the pedestrians, the use of traffic cones has increased a lot. Different types and sizes of cones are used on the roads, construction places, playgrounds, accident spots or hazardous spots, etc. But all in all, the main purpose of using traffic cones is to ensure safety in unsafe conditions.
What sizes of traffic cones are available
As I’ve already said, there are different sizes of traffic cones available that range from 2 inches to 36 inches. You can distinguish the different use of these traffic cones by their sizes. Taking all the sizes of traffic cones, I have divided them into six categories.
2 inches cone
These traffic cones are mainly collapsible ones. This means you can also make them larger while you are going to make use of them and then press it down to collapse it for nice and convenient storage. These collapsible traffic cones are also great for easy carrying.
6 inches cone
If you are looking for cones to use indoors, 6 inches cones will be a perfect choice. This size of traffic cones is not made for use in the roads or busy area. It is better to use them indoor to mark the hazardous or cautious place and not letting the kids move there.
12 inches cone
You can use 12 inches traffic cones indoors and outdoors depending on your need. These cones are typically 1 to 1.5 pounds in weight, so not much difficult to move. 12 inches cones are highly used in the playgrounds for the practice session and also in athletic competitions. If you have a pet in your house, you can also use this size of cones to create a training environment by setting them up in front.
18 inches cone
Here comes the first outdoor usable traffic cone, which is 18 inches high. These cones are great for use in free roadways. However, to mark the parking spot in a busy area or even in your backyard, this size of cones are heavily used. Along with 12 inches traffic cones, you can use 18 inches traffic cones in athletic competitions. 18 inches cones typically weigh from 2.75 to 3 pounds.
28 inches cone
In the busy areas of your city, non-highway roads, or local streets you need to use 28 inches cones. However, you can also use this size of cones on highways in case they are heavier than natural. There are mainly two different weights of cones found in this category, 7 pounds and 10 pounds. You can also use this cone to mark hazardous places or blockades.
36 inches cone
The larger among all sizes of cones is 36 inches cones. These traffic cones are used in busy highways, industrial areas, incident spots and other risky places. These traffic cones weigh around 10 to 12 pounds.
Why traffic cones are used
As the name indicates, the first and foremost purpose of using traffic cones is to ensure safety on the roads or busy spots. However, you can use traffic cones for several purposes as well.
Busy highways
To redirect the speed of the vehicles on the busy highways, traffic cones are highly used. Using traffic cones in these spots makes the road suitable for pedestrians as well.
Divide the lanes
Sometimes traffic cones are used to differentiate the lanes for pedestrians and the lanes for the cyclists.
Construction spots
Construction spots are always hazardous and the people around them have to remain cautious of unwanted accidents and that’s why you need traffic cones. These cones will help people from entering the construction areas.
Accident spots
Accident areas are always known as a sensitive spot and the police never want any of the evidence to get ruined by anyone. That’s why they use cones to mark the spot.
Parking lot
To show the parking lot in any area, you can use traffic cones. This will keep the area free and the owners of the car can easily park the cars according to the cones’ marking.
In sports
Traffic cones are also greatly used in athletics like a sprint, javelin throw, marathon, etc. Besides, footballers, cricketers and some other sportsperson also take the help of these cones during their practice sessions.
Indoor use
Except for all these outdoor uses, you can use small size cones indoor to keep your kids away from the cautious places.
Knowing about the different types of traffic cones
There are two types of traffic cones depending on the applicable places.
Indoor
To mark the dangerous spots inside your home or backyards, indoor traffic cones are used. They are typically small-sized and lightweight.
Outdoor
Outdoor traffic cones are the original cones, which are used in roadways, highways, hazardous sports, playgrounds, etc.
Depending on the base construction, there are two more types of traffic cones.
Injection-molded
Injection molded bases are made of 50% recyclable materials. It is a two-piece, interlocking base and the body is firmer than the flow-molded base.
Flow molded
Flow molded base is a solid piece with no seams and they are usually cheaper than injection molded ones.
Besides, I would like to mention two other types of traffic cones here.
With normal stripes
Traditional traffic cones come with normal orange stripes on the body.
With light-up stripes
Light up traffic cones have switch powered LED bulb on their stripes and they are used for emergencies.
Different colors of traffic cones and there use
There are different colors of traffic cones, which are used for different purposes. It would be easier to distinguish which one of these types is appropriate for you if you know the uses of them.
- Orange: It is used to mark temporary traffic control zones.
- Yellow: It is used to make the public cautious in indoor areas like wet floors.
- Lime green: This color of traffic cones are used to signal increased pedestrian activities and mark entryways.
- Green: It is typically used as markers on track and field courses.
- White: You should use it for valet parking, equestrian sport and sponsor display.
- Red: It is used to guide indoor machine traffic and block workplace hazards.
- Blue: It is used to mark accessible parking and signal overhead wires.
- Black: In funerals, it is typically being used with orange ones.
- Pink: It is used in areas where children are celebrating and also used for cancer awareness.
- Purple: You can use it in sports, parties and other events.
What are traffic cones made of
Traffic cones are typically made of durable materials like PVC or rubber. However, some makers also use thermoplastic to construct these cones. Due to their purpose of use, traffic cones should be made of durable and flexible materials, which also make them lightweight and easily movable.
Concluding words
Although the name is a traffic cone, it has various fields of use except for the traffic areas. You need to select the right size and type of cones depending on your need.
