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How a STOP Sign Serve Its Purpose, Traffic Devices & Safe Driving

Standard Stop Signage

The purpose of stop signs, locations as to where you can put up two-way signage, & the warrants for traffic control devices.

Question: What is the purpose of a STOP sign?

This, of course, is a hotly debated topic!

Some have said that a STOP sign should be used as a dinner plate, while others a shield to deflect arrows, but not bullets. Some juveniles have insisted that STOP signs should be used as wall décor in their bedrooms.

But I say that these signs should be used strictly as traffic control devices,

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Traffic Control Devices and Definitions

Controlling Traffic

Here are the different devices used in controlling and maintaining traffic, as well as their respective functions.

Question: What are Traffic Control Devices and what are they used for?

Traffic Control Devices can be broken into several categories and a whole bunch of subcategories, but I’ll stay with the general categories for sake of brevity here.

The main category would be signs, which encompass road signs, street signs, highway signs, and traffic signs.

Sign Categories

This category will include stop signs, speed limit signs, parking signs, warning signs, construction signs,

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Authority Control Over Traffic Signs Cycle, Installation, & Standards

Off traffic lighting

Department of Transportation on the timing of traffic signals, installation in the intersection, and standards for color blind drivers.

Question:  If a traffic signal’s cycle is too long or too short, will the DOT change it?

Possibly. If your opinion is that a signal’s cycle is too long or too short, you could contact the DOT or county or municipal road maintenance department and speak to the traffic engineering department about it.

However, it may also be their opinion that the cycles is just fine, thank you. Unless, of course, many people besides yourself have complained about the same intersection.

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Reflective Traffic Signs Sheeting, Posts, and Aluminum Materials

Stop Sign Reflective Sheeting

Get to know reflective traffic sign sheeting, signposts. And, here’s the comparison of flat versus extruded aluminum materials.

Question:  What is Reflective Sheeting?

Reflective sheeting is the sheeting used to create reflective road signs, traffic signs, street signs, and highway signs.

Basically, reflective sheeting is laminated to aluminum sign blanks of various sizes and shapes, then printed with whatever copy is needed, and you have a reflective traffic sign.

Different Reflective Sheet Grading

Reflective sheeting comes in various grades, the most common being “Engineer Grade,” “Hi-Intensity Prismatic”, and “Diamond Grade.” The USDOT requires diamond grade for most interstate signs,

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When Traffic Light Signals Go Off – Rules for Installing Road Signs

Traffic Lighting

So, what do you do when traffic light are off? Also, there are legalities when it comes to owning signs. And, find out how you can install or mount your very own signage.

Question:  What should drivers do when traffic Signal Lights Are All Dark?

This is a very good question, because there are certainly no traffic signs that back up traffic signal lights if the power goes out, unless it’s a longer term deal like caused by a natural disaster and such.

What I’ve seen for the most part in such situations is that people pretend that it’s a 4-way Stop,

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The Cycle of Traffic Lights and What to do When They’re Flashing

Traffic Light

Understanding the timing of traffic sign lights and what drivers can do when they go flashing.

Question:  Why doesn’t the “Walk” light stay on longer? I can only get halfway across before it starts flashing!

Since I know nothing of your physical condition, whether you’re 18 or 85 years old, I’ll assume you’re in average physical condition and should be able to make it across the street before the sign says “Don’t Walk.”

Timing on Walk Lights

Walk signs are timed by the light, so if there is a green light that stays green for,

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Traffic Signs – Installation Regulation and Intersection Safety

Traffic Street Signs

Is traffic in the intersection safe? And, putting up traffic signs as approved by your local government.

Question:  Will traffic signs make an intersection safer?

Generally, yes. Unless it had a traffic light and now you’re replacing it with signs. Of course, if there’s little traffic at that intersection anyway, it won’t make much actual difference where safety is concerned.

The newer USDOT codes, and I believe most “First World” nations as well, though, require the “diamond grade” reflective materials to be the basis for most intersection signs, so it’s almost like having a traffic light anyway.

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Surfaces For Vinyl Wall Graphics, and Uses of Decals

Wall Decals

Surfaces that are suitable for Polyvinyl Wall Graphics, and how to put up your decals.

Question:  What types of surfaces can I apply vinyl wall art?

That’s a multi-faceted question, so I’ll need to give you a multi-faceted answer.

Generically, your wall surface needs to be clean, and preferably freshly painted, but not too freshly painted or you may have problems with your wall graphics not sticking (because the paint is too damp), or sticking too well (surface may be dry but there is still residual moisture below the surface).

The wall should not have too much texture.

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Reusing Vinyl Lettering, and Why Put on Wall Stickers

vinyl window decal

Re-usability of Vinyl Letters and decorating walls with decals and stickers.

Question:  Is vinyl lettering reusable?

Rarely, if ever. I’ve never re-used a vinyl letter, and I’ve been in this trade for 21+ years. Vinyl material that vinyl letters and graphics are created from come on a roll, and the vinyl itself has an acrylic adhesive applied to the backside of the vinyl, which then is bonded to a “release liner.”

The release liner is a slick paper that allows the vinyl to bond to the liner through the cutting process until a transfer tape (usually) pulls it away from the paper,

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Are Vinyl Graphics Removable? Surfaces Lettering Won’t Stick To

wall stickers

How removable Are Vinyl Wall Decals? And, what are unsuitable surfaces for vinyl lettering?

Question:  Are vinyl wall products removable?

All vinyl graphic products are removable, but the question will be “how much damage will pulling the wall decals off my wall cause?” And that is a valid concern, but not if you’ve prepped your wall properly before applying the wall graphics.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, your house “breathes” like you do, and even with good filtration systems, over time you will find that there is a greasy film adhering to your walls,

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