Traffic cones are tools used to guide oncoming road traffic. They are coated with different reflective colors so that they are easily visible to drivers and pedestrians. Besides, they are made of shock-absorbing plastic to prevent any damage by vehicles. This article discusses the uses of traffic cones and their different colors.

When are traffic cones used?
When the working conditions of a road or highway change, traffic cones are placed in a proper arrangement to guide the traffic in the right direction. Such areas are called temporary traffic control (TTC) zones. Some examples of the areas are:

• Incident zones
  If a traffic incident like an accident or a hold-up occurs, authorized officers place traffic cones so that vehicles can avoid this area and go on their routes without blocking the way.
• Special lanes
  Traffic cones are used to segregate vehicle lanes, such as separating the pedestrians from the cyclists. This allows for a smooth flow of traffic.
• Work zones
  As the name suggests, if there is any maintenance, construction, or related work in progress, reflective traffic cones indicate this.
• Planned events
  If any particular road is blocked for vehicles for a festival or occasion, officers place traffic cones in the way.

Traffic cone colors and their significance
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) decides the color, luster, and dimensions of traffic cones. The color you notice on most of these cones is orange. This is because blaze orange is the exact opposite of the sky’s color on a color wheel. This factor makes it the most different from any outdoor background color, making it easily spottable by commuters on the road. This color is officially observed as a high-visibility color and is used on tools to mark safety tips.

You might also notice fluorescent yellow-green traffic cones instead of the usual orange. These yellow-green cones generally indicate an increase in the number of pedestrians at any time of the day. These reflective traffic cones are mostly placed near playgrounds, schools, and other such places. You will also notice them in construction sites and areas where people work in proximity to huge vehicles.

The other colors you can see on traffic cones include blue, yellow, white, black, red, pink, and purple. Each of these colors serves a specific purpose, and you should not use them for any other reason. The size of the reflective traffic cones also changes depending on the type of road it is used on.

Reflective traffic cones are highly useful to guide and divert traffic on roads, highways, or wherever need be. Authorities usually place them to ensure the traffic flows smoothly or as a precaution during certain times. This prevents chaos and promotes law and order. Here, we discuss the main benefits of using traffic cones.

Durability
Reflective traffic cones are rigid and do not get easily damaged by cars. They are made of highly durable, waterproof materials; the outer shell is usually made of solid nylon, and both the base and interiors are made of PVC. The base is square-shaped and heavier than the body, preventing the cone from rolling over if it falls. Besides, they feature a low center of gravity, ensuring they are stable on the ground.

Portability
Besides the standard reflective traffic cones, foldable ones are becoming popular today due to their various features. The most obvious reason for choosing foldable cones is that they can be easily transported from one place to another as they are lightweight. They do not take up a lot of space and can be simply stored in the car for emergencies. One can also easily spot them and take them back if needed. Plus, they can be stored nicely when not in use as they do not occupy much space.

LED lights
One can attach LED lights to the traffic cones if they like. These are unique lights that are water-resistant and can last over 300 hours. Powered by two AAA batteries, the LED lights are beneficial when the place is not well lit. These lights are either steady or flashing. When switched on, the lights can be seen from a distance as far as 1,000 meters. Drivers can spot them well even when the conditions are bad such as a foggy or unlit road.

Visibility
The cones are covered with reflective bands and consist of a fluorescent orange outer shell. These factors make it almost impossible for passersby not to notice them when placed on the road. The interiors are also painted in the same shade of orange. So, commuters would be able to spot them even if the cone was knocked over. This proves as an essential safety feature.

Using traffic cones is a necessary precaution, as they can prevent incidents from happening that might harm the public. When used correctly, reflective traffic cones also ensure people travel smoothly and are not stuck on a blocked road.

Regardless of their color, traffic cones have become a vital part of our safety, especially in urban metropolitan cities. Managing big towns, roads, and construction sites requires posts and signs that give specific instructions. However, today the application of reflective traffic cones has become more diversified. Several companies have begun using these cones; however, not for their preconceived purposes. So why do businesses use these reflective traffic cones? Let us find out.

To warn people about indoor hazards
Since orange reflective traffic cones stand out, it is easy for onlookers to spot them. Pedestrians and drivers know that they should be careful when there is an orange cone in the pathway. Without even saying it out loud, orange cones in a business site scream “warning.” Businesses usually place these reflective cones to caution people about broken glass, wet floors, or indoor hazards.

For construction sites
Construction sites are a significant threat to pedestrians, primarily because of falling rubble or debris risk. Hence, white or orange reflective traffic cones ensure the site is more visible to the people walking across. This lowers the chances of an accident.

For directing traffic
Reflective traffic cones offer clear hints to the people and vehicles about any diversion of traffic. This helps them slow down and take an alternate route. Therefore, they are often used at exits in underground parking spaces or general parking lots in offices or malls.

To manage crowds
When a famous celebrity visits a restaurant or auditorium, the staff uses reflective traffic cones to beef up security. The area is shut down to ensure the celebrity guest can securely enter and exit. Of course, the establishment may station security guards as well. Whenever someone sees reflective traffic cones, they are automatically warned. In a way, it is a sign of authority and is rarely overruled.

To comply with state laws
The government requires certain businesses to use traffic cones to give out a specific message. For example, ambulances, hospitals, and the fire brigade use white and blue cones to indicate a medical emergency; factories and manufacturing plants use green cones to suggest the possibility of radioactive threat.

Thus, reflective traffic cones are not used only by the traffic police. Due to their stand-out color and appearance, they are also used by various offices and commercial organizations for the purposes we just discussed. This is a simple and cost-effective way of maintaining order and preventing accidents.