Your Stop sign reflectivity matters…more than you think

how reflective is your reflectivity? When your headlights hit the stop sign what happens? Does the stop sign shine bright? if so then your sign meets the standard and is a safe and reflective stop sign. If not, then you need to replace it right away.

What good is a stop sign if no one can see it? During these winter months the majority of the driving occurs at night which makes visibility difficult. There are several distraction including lights, house lights, snow, other headlights, ice on the windshield, the list is endless. With all of that to account for a dark stop sign is almost useless.

Sign reflectivity doesn’t last forever..so if you bought your traffic sign years ago you will probably need to replace it. There is no set time table, or life span because weather conditions are the main cause of reflectivity deterioration and weather conditions vary.

There are 3 types of reflectivity to choose…

1) Engineer Grade Reflectivity: Meets DOT and MUTCD requirements for traffic safety. 3M Scotchlite reflective sheeting makes sign extra visible when light hits the surface.

2) High-Intensity Reflectivity: 3x brighter than engineer-grade. Meets MUTCD and FHWA requirements for traffic safety. Thousands of honeycomb shapes make signs easy to read in the darkest conditions. Guaranteed to retain 80% brightness for over 10 years.

3) Maximum-Intensity: 10x brighter than engineer grade for highest visibility available. Exceeds all MUTCD requirements. Retro-reflective diamond grade surface is intensely visible in bright light or total darkness. Ideal for areas where accidents occur often.

For more information on traffic sign reflectivity regulations check this out…

FHWA Finalizes Minimum Retroreflectivity Standards

New MUTCD retroreflectivity standards require agencies to replace non-compliant signs within seven to ten years.

Agency action will soon be required
Federally-mandated minimum sign retroreflectivity standards became final on January 22, 2008. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are designed to improve the night visibility of traffic signs. This mandate requires state and local agencies to:

• Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling.
• Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling.
• Replace guidance and street name signs within ten years of the final ruling.

This Web site assembles and publishes background information, best practices and current literature from the transportation community. Agency action will soon be required
Federally-mandated minimum sign retroreflectivity standards became final on January 22, 2008. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are designed to improve the night visibility of traffic signs. This mandate requires state and local agencies to:

• Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling.
• Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling.
• Replace guidance and street name signs within ten years of the final ruling.

 Rick Mariano -www.Trafficandparkingsigns.com

www.emedco.com

Does your business have everything for the perfect Parking Lot?

You may not realize the importance of your parking lot.
We know that all of the money making and product creation takes place inside but what about the safety and organization outside? If you work for a mid sized company you could have over 200 cars entering and leaving at the same time! That can not only create caos, and aggravation, it can also create a very dangerous safety hazard.
Step outside and take a look at your parking lot. Does it need an upgrade? how about an entire facelift? Keep your employees safe and reduce parking lot caos…give your parking lot a makeover!

Parking Lots are large spaces, and you may not even be aware of all the products you may need for the perfect parking lot and adjoining space. Check out Emedco’s Interactive Parking Lot Guide to identify where you may be missing opportunities to create the perfect space. All the products you see are also clickable. It’s very easy to use and a nice reference when assesing your needs.

Traffic and Parking Regulations and Compliance Issues Save Lives and Money

Are you interested in saving money? Of course. How about saving lives? I hope the answer is yes. There are several regulations and compliance standards set in the traffic and parking sign industry that need to be followed. This regulation were not developed because some government or MUTCD employee had nothing to do and needed to prove his or her salary. They were developed to save lives. Somewhere in the world someone was injured or died do to a faulty traffic sign issue. I know these things “never happen to you” but they do happen to someone else.

If you’re in charge of your facility’s traffic and parking signage please follow the rules and save lives. Because if you don’t you will be held liable for injuries and deaths and that will cost you big time. (if you’re more worried about the money).

Here are some of the more popular and current regulations to follow…Step outside when you’re done reading and make sure you adhere to these traffic and parking sign regulations.

MUTCD: 23CFR Part 655

Effective Jan. 16th 2007, FHWA states that all privately owned or managed property that allows for public travel must comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Signs that adhere: High Intensity Stop Signs,  Speed Limit Signs and more

MUTCD: Sign Retro-Reflectivity

A new minimum reflectivity level has been set by the FHWA and you must establish and maintain these levels with-in the next 4-6 years. • Your traffic signs must be high intensity reflective.

• Engineer grade will not comply with new standards…check out these Pedestrian Crossing Signs that apply.

MUTCD: Break-away Sign Posts

All sign supports must be break-away if sign is in the clear zone of roads posted at 50mph or greater.

• Old post must be replaced within the next 4 years.

• Use break-away with any new installations to ensure you comply.

Environmental Protection: No Idle Zone Signs

• Idling contributes to smog, global warming and increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.

• Improve the air quality around your facility.

• No Idle Signs are mandatory or recommended in many cities and states throughout the United States.

Protect the air you breathe – No Idle Zone Signs send the right message

Remember the days when the final school bell rang and you ran outside with pure joy knowing that the day was over and you wouldn’t have to be back to school until tomorrow morning! As you opened the doors to the parking lot you probably saw 15-30 busses with doors open ready to be filled with students, and over 40-50 cars with parents sitting inside waving out the window waiting for their kid to find them…ALL WITH THEIR ENGINES RUNNING!!!

You didn’t realize what you were breathing did you? “The engine produces air pollution. This pollution contributes to problems like smog and global warming, and is also harmful to our health. Vehicle exhaust contains air toxics and fine particles, among other pollutants, which are associated with increased incidence of respiratory ailments and heart disease, as well as greater cancer risk.” -http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/vehicles/noidle.aspx

This isn’t just a problem in Schools, it’s a problem wherever a car sits idle with the engine on. Streets, office parking lots, factory lots, grocery stores, day cares, stadium lots, and more.

Idling can be deterred simply by posting an official No Idle Sign. There are several variations of No Idle Sign messages including signs with fines attached to them. The demand for these signs is increasing at a rapid rate. Hopefully soon every parking lot will have one.

Several states and counties have adopted No Idling regulations and the list is growing. Soon we will have a No Idling United States and we can all breath a little easier.

States that currently require no idling signs are: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IL, NV, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TX, UT and VA.

Emedco is proud to offer several No Idle Signs and will customize your sign to fit your needs. Protect the environment right outside your door.

RM – The Traffic and Parking Guy