Arrow boards may not be the most glamorous aspect of road construction planning, but they are often the first line of defense separating your crew from disaster. Accurate and brightly lit, these arrow board lights help redirect traffic away from work sites with clear, definitive signals that register even in low visibility or bad weather.
No matter if you are a traffic management seasoned veteran with years of experience negotiating successful traffic plans under your belt or a new member of the work zone planning team, knowing just how to choose, place and maintain arrow boards for traffic control can be pivotal in keeping your projects operational and, perhaps more importantly, keeping everyone safe.
Why Your Work Zone Needs a Quality Arrow Board
Drivers aren’t always paying attention. Between cell phones, car entertainment systems, and the general chaos of modern life, getting motorists to notice your work zone can be challenging. This is where arrow boards shine (quite literally).
A quality arrow board penetrates the noise with bright, scrolling light patterns that are virtually impossible to overlook. While static signs fade into the background after drivers pass them frequently, the dynamic movement of those arrow board lights activates the motion-detection systems in our brains, commanding attention.
Key Safety Benefits
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- Reduced Accident Risk: Research indicates traffic zones featuring adequate arrow boards banks up to less traffic accidents than static signage by itself
- Worker Protection: Creating clearer buffer zones between traffic and personnel
- Liability Mitigation: Demonstrating due diligence in safety protocols
In addition to the safety benefits, proper traffic control helps with work efficiency. When workers are using a truck-mounted arrow board, they aren’t constantly running the risk of getting hit by errant vehicles, so they can do their actual jobs.
Proper traffic control provides safety benefits and improves work efficiency. When workers use a truck-mounted arrow board, they aren’t constantly at risk of being hit by errant vehicles, so they can do their actual jobs.
How Proper Controller Systems Keep You Compliant
MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) compliance rules are not optional—they are a legal matter with grave repercussions on liability and insurance cover. Modern arrow board controllers from eminent manufacturers like JACKWIN stay true to this injunction since they come fully equipped with compliant, preprogrammed patterns that work with federal and state regulations straight out of the box.
Compliance Checklist
When evaluating controller systems, ensure that they comply with:
- Current MUTCD pattern specifications
- State-specific requirements (which sometimes exceed federal standards)
- Flash timing requirements associated with the specific roadway type
- Documentation capabilities for regulatory inspection
Solar vs. Battery-Powered: Which Works Best for Your Needs
Deciding on a power source usually comes down to weighing the initial costs against what you’ll spend in the long run.
Solar-powered arrow boards, like the JW-SU4A120 Directional LED Arrow Board, have really changed the game when it comes to managing work zones over the last decade. A solar arrow board gives you amazing independence. That means there’s no hassle with generators or constantly swapping out batteries.
Battery-powered traffic arrow boards still have their advantages. If you have projects in areas that don’t see much sun, this is the way to go.
The Most Effective Light Patterns for Different Road Situations
Arrow boards can show different patterns with different meanings for each:
Flashing arrow boards help indicate standard lane closures, directing the traffic clearly to move into the indicated direction. This is known to almost all driving public and is not prone to misinterpretation.
For center lane closures where traffic can pass on either side, the split arrow pattern (showing arrows pointing both left and right) proves most effective.
The caution pattern—typically flashing dots without directional information—signals drivers to proceed with care without suggesting a specific lane change. Flashing arrow boards work well for shoulder work or situations where narrowed lanes continue straight ahead.
Pattern Effectiveness By Situation
| Pattern Type | Best For | Avoid Using For |
| Sequential Arrow | Gradual lane merges | Center lane closures |
| Double Arrow | Split traffic around work zone | Shoulder work only |
| Four-Corner Flash | Alerting without redirecting | Specific lane closure |
| Alternating Diamond | General hazard warning | Directional guidance |
Remote Control Options That Make Your Job Easier
Wireless controllers allow supervisors to adjust traffic arrow board patterns from up to 1,000 feet away, eliminating dangerous roadway crossings to modify a sign. This seemingly small convenience can prevent worker-involved accidents during pattern changes.
If there is a sudden turn of weather or unwelcome changes in traffic patterns, instead of dispatching a crew member, a supervisor can control the traffic board from a safe distance on-site, implementing changes across wide areas to save lives.
How to Position Your Arrow Board for Maximum Visibility
Place the traffic arrow boards in view at a distance of at least 1,500 feet on highways, giving drivers ample time to see and respond appropriately to the information.
Height and Angle Optimization
The board base should be supported at least 7 feet above the roadway surface so it does not collide with visual obstructions before entering normal lines of sight. This height is intended to deter vandals and minimise splashes from passing vehicles in wet conditions.
Angle considerations are often forgotten, but they make very significant contributions to visibility. Oncoming traffic must have an angle of just five degrees, minimising bleariness that may blindside drivers.
Placement Checklist
- Ensure board visibility isn’t blocked by hills, curves, or vegetation
- Place at least 1000 feet ahead of the actual lane closure or merge point.
- When possible, place it on the same side as the affected lane.
- Ensure the board is stable and tied against wind gusts.
- Verify that the setup meets local traffic authority requirements.
To Buy or To Rent an Arrow Board?
Wondering about the pros and cons of buying or renting an arrow board traffic light? The decision really depends on the duration and frequency of the project. For organizations that are constantly dealing with roadwork, purchase costs are generally recouped in 8-12 months with frequent use. Foil standardization permits alteration to customized requirements, immediate availability during emergencies, and simple supply chains.
Renting makes the most sense for those contractors who only want some temporary arrow light boards on an as-needed basis or for situations with special requirements. This way, the contractor avoids the burden of maintenance and storage. Most rental companies provide properly equipped packages.
Another important factor to remember is to budget for delivery costs in and out. An arrow board trailer must have a set of towing vehicles with the right set of drivers. Some rental provisions may include transport and installation of the boards, which is quite useful in remote areas or where the use is just for a single day.
Maintenance Tips That Extend Your Investment
- Begin with routine cleaning since road grime can accumulate quickly, reducing LED visibility. Washing with mild soap and soft cloths once a month will keep LEDs bright and professional-looking.
- Wiring connections should be inspected quarterly for corrosion, looseness, or damage due to vibration. These connection points are potential failure areas but can easily be maintained through preventive maintenance.
- Be sure to keep the solar panels clean and correctly angled to the sun, especially in the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter.
- Battery maintenance is crucial. For traditional batteries, check fluid levels, keep terminals clean, and periodically test capacity.
Conclusion
You understand your need for safety in your projects: to keep your team safe, keep drivers aware, and stay compliant. Now that you’ve covered the basic, you may wonder, “where can i get the best arrow boards?” At JACKWIN, we offer industry-leading arrow boards for any project scope.
Whether you’re upgrading to arrow boards for trucks or gearing up for a new project, make sure to assess your specific needs against the options out there. The best arrow board will serve you for years, so it makes sense to go for the best.
