Road and traffic signs have an important purpose and that is to keep all drivers safe. There are many different types of colors used in road signs. Each color signifies something different, but each is important. For example, red is used for stop signs, and yellow is used for caution signs.
These colors and what they represent are typically embedded into daily routines. It is normal to not even think about these colors in everyday life because of how often they are seen.
Colors are classified into three groups. These groups are Warm Colors, which are yellow, orange, and red, Cool Colors, which are purple, green, and blue, and Neutral Colors, such as brown, white, and black. Warm colors are the ones that are used mostly in road signs because they generate a strong emotion. With many different indicators on the street, it can be confusing, so the U.S. Department of Transportation has used symbols and colors instead of words to convey the messages on highways and roads. Symbols and pictograms can be easier to understand and recognize and can close the communication gap since they cross different language barriers. Symbols are becoming standard for road signs throughout the world.
What Does an Orange Road Sign Mean?
A warm color like orange is used to inform a motorist of permanent or temporary hazards. Temporary cautions that deal with construction use orange and black text. Permanent cautions usually use a yellow background along with black text to achieve maximum visibility and readability. Orange signage was not used until 1964.
The orange indicators came about as a response to a larger presence of highway construction, along with reflective materials that lead to increased visibility. Orange continues to be the standard color for construction zones now to this day. It is necessary to have orange road signs because it helps drivers limit distractions ahead of a work zone so drivers can be more alert to any workers and changing traffic patterns.
What Situations Are These Used For?
Orange road signs are used any time there is construction happening. The color is designed to alert you of some possible dangers ahead for maintenance and construction projects. Drivers should reduce speed and scan for any workers that could be directing traffic.
There are many different shapes that can be used in road indicators, including in some orange signs. While each color plays an important role in having consistency through highways and roads, the shape also has a specific meaning. The shape of the sign can help alert a driver before the driver is able to read the contents of the sign.
Depending on certain weather conditions, the only thing a driver may be able to see is the actual shape of the sign and not the contents. In this case, the shape is more important than the color and the message.
Since orange indicators are used for construction, there are different messages that can be found on these signs. A man with a shovel on a sign indicates a worker’s head. A man holding a flag on an orange sign indicates a flagger ahead. Some of the printed messages on orange indicators include “Utility Work Ahead,” “Shoulder Work,” “Right Shoulder Closed,” “Right Two Lanes Closed,” “Detour,” “Exit Closed,” “Road Work Next Five Miles,” “End Road Work,” and “Slow Traffic Ahead.”
An octagon road sign means the need to stop. Since a stop sign is the only sign that uses this shape, it likely will not ever be in orange and instead only in red. If there is an upside-down triangle, it means to yield. Road signs with a diamond shape can mean there is a possible hazard ahead.
These include some pedestrian and bicycle signs, as well as temporary traffic indicators. A pennant shaped road sign is one that warns drivers of no-passing zones.
Round shaped signs are commonly used for railroad approaches. If a driver sees a round traffic sign, it will usually be a light rail transit or railroad crossing ahead. A pentagon-shaped road sign gives a warning that there is a school crossing or school zone ahead.
Horizontal rectangle-shaped road placards will give guidance to drivers and can be used for a variety of different needs. Road placards using a vertical rectangle are used to let drivers know about regulatory notices, such as the posted speed limit.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices does have specific requirements for the material and size of sign the message is printed on, in addition to shape, symbol, and color. When signs need to be used at night, they will need to be reflective and have a material that has a sealed outer smooth surface. Otherwise, it will need to be illuminated to show similar color and shape both night and day.
Where Can I Get an Orange Road Sign?
If you are looking for orange street placards, as well as other street signs, contact us today at Worksafe Traffic Control Industries. We offer state-of-the-art traffic control equipment and technology solutions for construction zones, traffic calming, and highways.
When you find orange road signs at Worksafe, you can rest easy knowing that there is a selection of both temporary traffic placards as well as permanent ones that can conform to all specifications. When you are searching for road signs, you want to make sure you work with a company following specifications, so your signs comply and taken seriously for everyone’s safety.
In addition to placards needed for construction, there is also a wide variety of related supplies that can help increase the effectiveness of your signs, such as cones and barricades for roads, to help you direct and manage traffic so that both pedestrians and workers are safe in a given area. Flags and vests can be used by traffic personnel and construction site individuals to identify themselves and ensure that they stay safe.