Enhancing Intersection Safety: The Effectiveness of LightHawk Reflective Signal Backplates

Enhancing Intersection Safety: The Effectiveness of LightHawk Reflective Signal Backplates

Intersection safety remains a significant concern for traffic engineers and city planners. With millions of vehicles navigating intersections daily, ensuring clear and visible traffic signals is crucial for reducing accidents and enhancing road safety. One of the most effective yet low-cost measures is the addition of traffic signal backplates. Specifically, backplates equipped with retroreflective borders, like the LightHawk Reflective Backplates from Korman Signs, have proven to be a game-changer. Made with ALPOLIC 350, an aluminum composite material, these backplates offer durability, visibility, and cost-effectiveness—an ideal combination for modern traffic management.

The Importance of Traffic Signal Backplates

Traffic signal backplates are panels placed behind traffic lights to enhance their visibility. By providing a contrasting background, they help drivers see traffic signals more clearly, particularly in adverse weather conditions or when the sun's glare could obscure visibility. According to studies conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), adding backplates to traffic signals has been shown to reduce intersection crashes by as much as 15%. This simple modification helps drivers identify signals faster, contributing to smoother traffic flow and improved safety.

Retroreflective Borders: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Solution

Retroreflective borders on traffic signal backplates take this safety measure a step further. These borders reflect light from headlights back toward the source, making the traffic signal visible even in low-light or nighttime conditions. This added visibility is particularly critical during inclement weather or power outages when traffic signals might not be as easily seen.

The FHWA has endorsed the use of retroreflective borders as a proven safety countermeasure. Studies indicate that these borders can reduce crashes at intersections by up to 15-25%. This reduction is especially significant when considering the low cost of implementing retroreflective borders compared to other intersection safety improvements, such as installing new traffic lights or overhauling infrastructure. Compared to other safety measures, this solution provides an immediate and significant impact at a fraction of the cost. Municipalities and state transportation agencies can benefit from these backplates by enhancing driver awareness and reducing crashes, all while staying within budget.

LightHawk Reflective Backplates: Durability Meets Safety

Korman Signs offers a state-of-the-art solution with their LightHawk Reflective Backplates, constructed from ALPOLIC 350, an aluminum composite material known for its durability and lightweight properties. These backplates are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring that intersections remain safe and signals are visible even under the harshest circumstances.

Why ALPOLIC 350?

ALPOLIC 350 is a high-performance aluminum composite material that combines strength and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for traffic signal backplates. It provides several benefits:

• Lightweight and Easy to Install: The lightweight nature of ALPOLIC 350 allows for easy installation and reduces the stress on existing traffic light poles and structures.
• Durable and Weather-Resistant: ALPOLIC 350’s corrosion resistance ensures that the backplates remain in top condition for years, even in high-humidity or coastal environments.
• Highly Visible: When combined with the retroreflective borders, these backplates maintain their visibility under various lighting and weather conditions, ensuring optimal performance.

Traffic signal backplates with retroreflective borders, like the LightHawk Reflective Backplates by Korman Signs, offer a proven, low-cost, and effective approach to improving intersection safety. Constructed with ALPOLIC 350, these backplates combine durability, lightweight design, and enhanced visibility, making them a smart choice for cities and municipalities aiming to reduce crashes and enhance road safety. By investing in these backplates, communities can create safer intersections and ensure that their roadways are better equipped to handle the challenges of modern traffic.