How to Choose the Right Traffic Cone for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Traffic Cones

Overview

Traffic cones are an effective way to secure and delineate a work zone or reduce the risk of certain hazards. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, they are a popular choice for traffic control and can be used in a variety of settings. This buying guide will provide an overview of what to consider when purchasing traffic cones, such as materials, sizes, color, and reflective features. It will also cover the different types of traffic cones and their uses. Finally, the guide will provide advice on how to properly use and maintain your traffic cones.

Key features

  1. Size: Traffic cones are available in different sizes, from 12 inches up to 36 inches. Consider the size you need based on the intended purpose of the traffic cone.
  2. Color: Traffic cones typically come in two colors, orange and white. Orange is most common and is used for road and construction marking, while white is used for special events.
  3. Reflective Strips: Traffic cones can come with reflective strips to help make them more visible, especially at night. This can be important for safety and should be considered if the cones will be used in low-light conditions.
  4. Weight: Traffic cones come in different weights, from lightweight plastic to heavy rubber. Consider the weight of the cone that is most appropriate for your application.
  5. Durability: The material used for traffic cones can affect their durability. Look for cones that are made with high-quality, weather-resistant materials.
  6. Price: Traffic cones can vary greatly in price, so consider your budget when making a purchase. Different sizes and materials will affect the price.

See the most popular Traffic Cones on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Visibility: Traffic cones are highly visible, which makes them ideal for directing traffic, alerting drivers to potential hazards, and letting pedestrians know when an area is off limits.
  • Durability: Traffic cones are made from various materials such as plastic, rubber, and foam, which makes them durable and able to withstand the elements.
  • Safety: Traffic cones can provide a measure of safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards and creating a physical barrier to prevent pedestrians from entering certain areas.
  • Portability: Traffic cones are lightweight, easy to move, and stackable, which makes them ideal for quickly setting up and taking down a traffic safety system.
  • Cost: Traffic cones are relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective solution for directing and managing traffic.

Cons

  • Price - Traffic cones tend to be very expensive, especially if you need a large quantity.
  • Durability - Traffic cones are made from plastic or rubber, which can be easily damaged by weather, wear and tear, and road conditions.
  • Visibility - Traffic cones can be difficult to see in certain lighting conditions, especially at night.
  • Maintenance - Traffic cones need to be frequently cleaned and inspected to ensure they are in good condition for use.
  • Weight - Traffic cones can be heavy, making it difficult to move or transport them.

Best alternatives

  1. Barricades - A stationary barrier typically used in construction areas, parking lots, and other areas where a physical barrier is desired.
  2. Safety Vests - Lightweight clothing worn to increase visibility in low light or hazardous conditions.
  3. Bollards - A short post that can be used both to control and direct traffic and as a visual warning.
  4. Plastic Chain - A lightweight, durable plastic material used to outline areas and create visual boundaries.
  5. A-frame Signs - A type of portable sign typically used for temporary signage such as road construction, pedestrian warnings, parking lot closures, etc.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Reflective Markers - Used to make traffic cones more visible at night or in low light conditions. Mounting Brackets - Used to mount traffic cones to the ground in windy or high traffic areas. Carrying Bags - Easily transportable bags for holding multiple traffic cones. Traffic Spikes - Used to deter setting up or removing cones in high traffic areas. Base Weights - Used to keep cones stable in windy areas. High Visibility Vests - Used to make people visible while setting up, maintaining, or removing cones. Warning Lights - Used to make high visibility areas, such as construction areas, more noticeable. Plastic Chain - Used to create lines or boundaries with traffic cones. Visibility Tape - Used to make traffic cones more visible.

Common questions

  1. What size traffic cones should I buy? The size of traffic cone you should buy depends on the purpose of the cone and the area you are using it in. Smaller cones are typically used for parking lots or smaller surface areas, while larger cones are better suited for highways or large construction sites.
  2. Are traffic cones reflective? Traffic cones are usually available in reflective versions that can help ensure visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions.
  3. How many traffic cones do I need? The number of cones you need will depend on the size of the area you're trying to mark off. Generally, it is recommended to have at least one cone in a 10-foot radius for safety purposes.
  4. What color are traffic cones? Traffic cones are usually a bright, fluorescent orange color, although they can be other colors like yellow, red, or green.
  5. How do I store traffic cones? When storing traffic cones, it is important to make sure that they are kept in a cool, dry environment and away from direct sunlight.
  6. Are traffic cones expensive? Traffic cones are generally not very expensive and can usually be found for a reasonable price.

Trivia

In the early 2000s, the small town of Belpre, Ohio made headlines when they became the first town in the United States to use traffic cones as police officers. The town’s police chief, Randy Hanely, had used the traffic cones in the past as part of his traffic enforcement duties. Hanely thought that the cones would be a better alternative than traditional police officers as they could be seen from a greater distance and were more cost effective. The cones did not have any law enforcement powers and were mainly used to help direct traffic and alert drivers to special events such as parades. The cones were a great success and eventually Belpre became known as the “Cone Capital of the World”. The use of traffic cones to help manage traffic has since spread to other towns and cities across the United States. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.