There’s a lot of traffic control equipment out there, from signs and cones to markers and more. But one thing that plays an essential role in keeping our highways, roads, and workers safe? Traffic warning arrows and arrow boards.In today’s blog, we’ll provide an overview of what these devices are, how they work, and why they’re so important for traffic safety.

 The History of Traffic Control Equipment 

The historic roots of traffic control devices run deep, with the first being used in Ancient Rome. Here Romans constructed mile markers at intersections, specifying the distance to Rome. During the Middle Ages, Roman road systems were still in use and various sign types were utilized at crossroads to direct people toward different towns. However, when Rome fell to its demise, the roads were no longer maintained, and transportation became more difficult. But, thanks to the discovery of the New World, Europe began to improve its transportation systems and everyone, despite their social status, began to travel. However, it wasn’t until the 19^th century, with the invention of bicycles and automobiles that things really began to shift gears.

It took hundreds of years for the bicycle to come to fruition. The idea for a human-powered four-wheeled device was initially contrived by Italian engineer Giovanni Fontana in 1418. But it wasn’t until decades later in 1817 that German inventor Karl Von Drais brought the idea to life with his two-wheeled vehicle.

Similar to bicycles, it's hard to say who is directly responsible for the invention of automobiles. Cars came into view hundreds of years before realization. Many attribute credit to Germany’s Karl Benz for creating the first automobile in 1885/1886, however, others, argue that various other figures played a vital role in the vehicle’s incredulous history.

Regardless of who was responsible for the innovation, one thing was certain, traffic control devices were needed to keep motorists, pedestrians, and workers safe from the increased traffic.

One of the earliest organized signing systems was developed by the Italian Touring Club around 1895. By the early 1900s in Paris, the Congress of International Touring Organizations began considering standards for road signage. In 1909, nine European governments chose four pictorial symbol signs to be used as a standard in those areas.

Over in North America, the 1900s saw a call for signs to match the automobile industry’s growth. As early as 1899, the beginning group of the American Automobile Association (AAA) formed to place signs on busy roads and guide travellers to their destinations. In 1905, the Buffalo Automobile Club installed a signed network in New York State, and the Automotive Club of California soon followed suit by placing signs on the most important highways around San Francisco.

At this point in history, signs were not reflective, nor standardized. Drivers were responsible for watching out for hazards, other vehicles, and workers. But as traffic began to spread, the need for standardized traffic signs became increasingly apparent. In 1922, the first standardized signs were introduced, and drivers were expected to pay attention to these signs and act accordingly. This further revolutionized the transportation industry and led to many innovations in traffic control devices, working to keep both motorists and workers safe. 

What are Traffic Warning Arrows and Traffic Boards? 

Traffic warning arrows and arrow boards are two examples of traffic control devices that can be used to regulate traffic and keep your team safe. They are often used to indicate a hazard, inform incoming drivers of upcoming intersections and road conditions, or warn drivers of lane closures or slippery roads.

Traffic warning arrows provide an advance warning for oncoming traffic and when used in conjunction with proper road safety equipment, they are able to provide the maximum level of protection for your workers.

In a similar fashion, arrow boards are used to direct traffic and inform drivers of upcoming road closures. They are most often used at construction sites, but they can also be found along multilane roads where road workers are present. To ensure optimal visibility for oncoming motorists and utmost safety for your crew, arrow boards are typically either mounted on a truck or trailer. 

Why are Traffic Warning Arrows and Arrow Boards Important for Crew Safety? 

Traffic warning arrows and arrow boards play a vital role in keeping your team, motorists, and pedestrians safe. They provide clear instructions to drivers on how to approach a work zone, which has the potential to greatly reduce the risk of collisions and injuries, on both ends.

The success of any work zone is largely dependent on its ability to communicate with drivers so that they can make decisions that will keep them safe. That’s where Traffic warning arrows and boards come in. They keep all road users informed about the state of the road ahead and whether or not it’s safe to proceed.

Traffic warning arrows and arrow boards are a simple, but highly effective way to keep your team safe while they’re out on the job. Even when visibility is poor, they draw attention to the work going on so drivers can see what’s happening and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Designed to keep your team safe by communicating with traffic, when used properly, these traffic control devices can help prevent accidents and ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, and other workers are aware of all members of your crew at all times of day, and in all weather.

The importance of this warning light cannot be overstated, as it provides a clear indication of when motorists should slow down and prepare themselves for potential hazards ahead. With traffic warning arrows and arrow boards, you can guarantee that traffic on or near your work zone flows smoothly, pedestrians stay safe, and drivers stay focused on what needs to happen next.

The Shining Advantages of our Arrow Boards and Traffic Warning Arrows

At SWS Warning Lights, we believe that our arrow boards and traffic arrows exceed industry standards. Whether you’re looking for a truck-mounted arrow board or a trailer-mounted traffic warning arrow, with SWS you’ll always find products that are built to last and able to perform reliably in a variety of environments and conditions for the years to come!

Here are some of the features that set our arrow boards and traffic warning arrows apart from the competition: 

Hermetically Sealed Light Heads

One of the most common issues with traffic warning arrows and arrow boards is fogging. They’re often made with a clear cover over the light, which allows water vapour to condense inside, warranting the lights less visible at night. To combat this, we use hermetically sealed light heads that are ultrasonically welded shut to keep the moisture out. This ensures that your arrows are always visible, even in the heat, rain, or snow.

Sealed Automotive Connector

When you’re using your traffic warning arrow, you want it to be reliable. You don’t want it to fail in the middle of a storm or when exposed to extreme temperatures. That’s why at SWS each of our traffic warning arrows features a sealed automotive connector. This protects the integrity of the light in extreme conditions, allowing you to use your arrow over and over again without worrying about having to buy a new one soon after. Not only does this feature make our product better for you, but it also makes it safer for everyone on the road.

Easy to Operate and Control 

At SWS, we know that downtime isn’t an option. That’s why the internal wiring of our arrows is put together through a harnessing system and weatherproof connectors, so replacement is quick and easy in the unlikely chance of failure or damage. In fact, the heads of our traffic arrows are field replaceable in less than one minute! We also understand that your choice of control platforms is an important one, which is why we offer cab-mounted and outdoor switch boxes – both tested to meet the highest standards. 

Highly Visible 

In order to keep everyone safe, traffic warning arrows and arrow boards must be highly visible both near and far. Each of SWS’s traffic warning arrows demonstrates unparalleled light output. Take our 54000 Series Traffic Arrow for instance. This top seller is a high visibility, unidirectional traffic warning arrow and features a dual optic lens that is designed to provide maximum visibility near and far.

Our Orion and Titan Series Traffic Arrows also demonstrate incomparable light output, producing a blistering 450cd warning signal per module, while consuming very little power. Not to mention, its projection optics allow the light to be seen well in advance of the vehicle.

And don’t forget about our TC-12 arrow board! The new and improved arrow board from SWS features an AutoDim photosensor for automatic nighttime dimming and 3M retroreflective material for extra brightness, ensuring optimal road safety when it matters the most. 

Durability and Strength 

When you purchase a traffic warning arrow from SWS, you can trust that you’re getting quality craftsmanship and durability. Our engineers have taken care of every detail so that your traffic warning arrows and boards will last as long as possible – and they won’t let you down when you need them the most!

Each of our professional-grade traffic warning arrows is designed for extreme durability and strength. Uniquely handcrafted, each one undergoes functional testing at every stage of development to ensure maximum performance. The arrow’s electronics are also fully encapsulated in order to protect against vibration and moisture. The result is a line of products that are able to reliably perform under any conditions – whether in the heat of summer or the cold winter. 

Choose SWS Traffic Warning Arrows & Boards for Long-term Reliability 

When it comes to road safety, there’s no room for error. That’s why at SWS, we take every precaution possible to ensure that our traffic warning arrows and boards are the best they can be. At SWS Warning Lights, we are proud to provide a wide range of traffic warning arrows and arrow boards for traffic control in a wide range of sizes and styles to seamlessly fit your truck or construction equipment.

Need help deciding which traffic warning arrow is right for you? Our team of engineers and customer service professionals can help you choose the best warning arrow for your needs, no matter how big or small your company is, or what kind of vehicle or equipment you use on the job site. We also offer accessories like brackets and mounts that easily attach your new arrow board onto your truck, allowing you to mount your new light in the perfect spot for optimal visibility.

Contact us today to learn more about our traffic warning arrows, arrow boards, or any of our other high-quality professional-grade warning lights.