Outdoors are outdoors, and the goal to provide safety for cars, trucks, and motorists on the road often goes in contradiction with certain situations, such as high winds. While safety supplies like traffic drums are, without a doubt, effective in directing traffic, their relatively light weights offer a challenge in high-wind areas. Thus, in this guide, you will know how to secure traffic drums in high winds. Let’s start.
Effects and Repercussions of High-Wind Conditions
High-wind conditions on the road are more common than you think. These are caused by various factors, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, as well as simple changes in atmospheric pressure.
Not because the surroundings encounter high winds that you should forgo and remove the safety supplies installed on the road. Without the right materials, high-wind areas result in:
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Reduced vehicle stability, especially for trucks, buses, and motorcycles
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Increased risk of lane deviation due to sudden gusts
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Falling debris causing road obstructions and vehicle damage
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Poor visibility from dust, sand, or blown rain
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Difficulty steering on bridges, open highways, and elevated roads
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Higher accident rates during strong crosswinds
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Traffic delays from road closures or reduced speed limits
The Proper High-Wind Traffic Drum Setup
Traffic drums, or traffic barrels, are usually bright orange and highly-visible polyethylene devices used in work zones and roads to channel vehicles, warn drivers of hazards like construction, and safety guide traffic around road closures or accidents.
The key functions of these traffic drums are:
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Channelization
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Warning
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Guidance and direction
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Protection
They act as alternatives to traffic cones for commanding greater driving attention. The best traffic drums feature reflective stripes for nighttime visibility and tire rings or weighted bases for stability, ensuring they provide proper protection for motorists and vehicles.
Here’s how to secure traffic drums in high winds:
Chapter 1: Preparation
The first step is, of course, to get things ready. Gather all the tools and supplies you need to make the installation easier and faster. Some of the things you’ll need are:
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The traffic drums
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Reflective tapes (but sometimes built-in with the drums)
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Barrel mover for heavy barrels
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Sand or water for extra weight
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Safety vests and hard hats
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Flashlights and portable lights for nighttime work
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Warning zones to let people know that the barrels are being installed
You must also check the installation site for stability, and monitor the weather. Follow the rules and guidelines, and ensure that your traffic drums are compliant with the industry standards.
Chapter 2: Safety Precautions
Regardless of how thoroughly you have prepared, without following safety precautions, all those will be put to waste. Remember these best practices:
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Wear proper safety gear
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Set up a safe work zone
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Communicate clearly with your team and drivers
Chapter 3: The Installation Procedure
You’ve reached the step wherein you will start with the installation of the traffic drums itself. Follow these steps:
First Step: Mark the Installation Area
Before the installation, mark the areas where the barrels will be installed. Find the exact spots, and use cones, chalk, or paint to outline these areas, especially when preparing the drums for high-wind weather conditions.
In busy traffic zones, place warning signs or flashing lights around 500 feet ahead. These give drivers enough time to slow down and adjust.
Note: Never mark spots with loose gravel or uneven ground. In other words, do not install barrels in these areas, since they will only fall down and cause accidents.
Second Step: Position the Traffic Barrels Correctly
After marking, it’s time to place the barrels. Stand each traffic drum upright and face it toward oncoming traffic. The reflective tapes must be present. Weighted barrels, or those filled with sand or water, are recommended for windy areas. Always follow rules and industry guidelines.
Note: When installing barrels near intersections, leave sufficient space for vehicles to turn. This avoids traffic jams and keeps them moving smoothly.
Third Step: Ensure Proper Spacing Between the Traffic Drums
This space between traffic drums is important for driver safety. But remember, this distance still depends on the type of road and speed limit.
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For sufficient reaction time, keep the drums 10 feet apart.
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For slower zones, space them three to five feet apart.
Use a marked rope or tape measure to keep the spacing even. This creates a clear and straight line for drivers to follow. Uneven spacing confuses them and may cause accidents. Also, walk along the installed traffic drums to check any mistakes.
Note: Ensure drivers can see the barrels clearly from far away. This is especially crucial in low-light, windy, or nighttime conditions.
Fourth Step: Keep the Barrels Stable
Ensure that the traffic barrels are steady. Stable barrels in high-wind areas prevent accidents. But, bring things into balance. Avoid overfilling barrels with sand or water, since too much weight makes them difficult to move, damaging them.
Last Step: Make the Traffic Drums Easy to Spot
Especially in high-wind areas, the secret is to make the traffic drums easy to see. After all, this is the purpose why you’re installing them. Ensure the reflective tapes are working, and add lights when necessary. You must also regularly conduct maintenance to check the reflective tapes.
Chapter 4: Post-Installation Checks and Maintenance
The work doesn’t end after the traffic drums are installed in preparation for high-wind conditions. The following steps must also be carried out:
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Check traffic drum placement and stability
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Check visibility from various spots
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Follow traffic safety rules
Introducing Traffic Drums From Safety Supplies USA
There you have it. The appropriate high-wind traffic drum setup. Most of the time, if not all the time, the key is to find your barrel from the right brands. Safety Supplies USA’s traffic drums are built with reflective stripes and a rubber base to ensure reliable performance in high-wind areas with its durable UV-resistant polyethylene body, high-visibility stripes, and a heavy recycled tire base for stability. Easy to install and MUTCD-compliant, these barrels enhance visibility and hold firm against gusts. Get those traffic drums today on www.safetysuppliesusa.com.