Most people pass a number of signs and safety devices on the highway each day. For the most part, they really do not pay that much attention to them. They might check out a speed limit sign to make sure they are not over the limit. However, highways contain other things to warn you and keep you safe as you travel.

Guardrails

What exactly is the function of guardrails? Basically, they are installed to direct a vehicle back onto the road when hit. They also help an automobile to stop or slow down enough for the driver to regain control. Depending on where they are installed, they can prevent cars or trucks from going over a steep embankment or even off a cliff. Although they do not always work as intended, they can help. Transportation engineers are responsible for placing the guardrails where they are needed to provide safety.

If you have ever veered off the road and hit a guardrail, you were probably thankful it was there. They can slow your vehicle down, reducing the amount of damage that occurs. Of course, how well the guardrails works also depends on how fast a vehicle is going when it hits. If it is very fast, it can go through the guardrail rather than stopping.

Where Signs and Other Safety Equipment are Made

Many of the signs and other safety features found on highways are made in prisons or by companies. One example of a company that provides used highway guardrail is Highway Specialties Inc. Sometimes, guardrails are used for fencing in agricultural settings and for livestock.

Although the signs may not look that large when you are passing by them on the highway or interstate, they are huge. This is necessary to keep drivers from going in the wrong direction or getting lost. Each sign that is made must pass inspection. It has to be reflective, have no errors, and be damage free. The signs can be recycled once they become worn. If they are no longer needed, they can be repainted and used elsewhere.