An arrow board is a device used in traffic control that guides pedestrians and drivers by showing them the direction they should move. It’s often big, illuminated, has bright LED lights and is mounted on a vehicle. You can often see it in roadwork sites, construction zones and other places where there’s a need for traffic management. It’s a very important device that keeps everyone safe.

Types of Arrow Boards

Trailer-Mounted

Trailer-mounted arrows are one of the most popular types because they’re easily portable and flexible. Usually mounted on trailers, these boards make it simple to move them to new areas as needed. They’re often used in road work and construction sites. Their biggest benefit is the ability to quickly and effectively notify traffic participants about detours and lane closures. These highly visible and durable arrow boards will alert people even during daylight because they have bright, energy-efficient LED lights.

Vehicle-Mounted

Vehicle arrow boards are installed on trucks and vans. They’re a very mobile and compact traffic management solution. These arrows are perfect for emergency circumstances and temporary traffic control operations. You’ll often see them being used by emergency responders, law enforcement and public work departments. Their biggest advantage is that they can easily navigate towards locations that are difficult to reach. This makes them perfect for controlling traffic in crowded cities or roads.

Solar-Powered

If you want something sustainable and cost-effective, you should invest in solar-powered arrows. Just as the name suggests, they’re powered by solar panels from the sun’s energy. You don’t need any batteries or an external power source. These eco-friendly devices are also low-maintenance and easy to use. If you have a traffic project that will last for a long time or a project that’s somewhere remote, solar-powered arrows should be your first choice.

What to Consider when Buying

Size & Visibility

The two most important factors when choosing an arrow are size and visibility. They will determine how impactful the arrows are in directing the upcoming traffic. If you’re working on speedy highways with a lot of traffic, it’s better to get bigger and brighter arrows. Something with a lot of LED lights and a wider display.

Power Source

The power source of the arrow has a major impact on its flexibility and reliability. You have several power sources to choose from, battery, vehicle power, generator or solar panels. Even though they need constant battery recharging or replacement, battery-operated arrows are very portable and convenient.

The generator-powered ones are very reliable but you’ll need full-time access to fuel. Plus, they need a lot of maintenance. If you’re doing a short-term operation, you’ll benefit the most by taking the power from the vehicle you’re mounting the arrow on. And if you want an independent power source, go for solar-powered arrow boards.

Control Options

The control options of the arrow will have a big influence on how easy it is to operate and how many different patterns it can show. There are several control options, wireless remote controllers, manual controllers and software-based controllers.

Manual controllers are operated manually. Wireless ones are more flexible and convenient and you can adjust the settings from a greater distance. And the software-based ones are fully customisable and programable. With this type of control, you can sync multiple boards and control them at the same time.

How to Choose for Your Traffic Project?

To choose the proper arrows for your project you’ll need to evaluate every aspect of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a short or a long-term project, your arrows have to fit the job requirements properly. Start by thinking about what are the specific requirements of the project, its longevity, the area and any specific regulations there might be.

If there’s heavy traffic where you’ll be working, you’ll need larger, brighter boards. If you’re working on a parking lot, you’ll need something smaller and not as bright. Next, do some research on the market. Explore the different manufacturers, brands, types of boards, control options, and power sources and find the most suitable ones for your project.

You should also take into account the weather conditions, maintenance and of course, durability. Invest as much as you can in these boards, they’re a long-term investment that will last for many years to come and can be used in multiple projects. If you’re not sure which arrow board is suitable for your project, ask for some expert advice. They have the knowledge and understanding to help you in every way possible.

Which Industries Use Arrow Boards

Traffic & Airports

Road construction, temporary road closures, vehicle malfunctions and accidents, and traffic flow diversion are just a few of the situations in which arrow boards come in handy. By putting up boards, you can keep traffic flow smooth, alert drivers to changing conditions on the road, and direct cars away from collisions, construction zones, and pedestrian and driver safety. Airports use boards to guide vehicles to certain areas and keep a smooth path for everyone.

Construction & Mining

They serve as directional indicators on mining and construction sites. They can manage lane closures, safe routes, detours etc. In mining sites, they control the traffic around excavation sites, and loading areas and assist in moving bigger machinery like trucks.

Emergency Service

When there’s an accident or a natural disaster emergency services like law enforcement, medical services and fire departments use these boards to control the large traffic flow, close lanes, guide people and vehicles to safe destinations and quickly evacuate some areas.

Activities and Municipal Services

These boards also help when there are marathons, festivals, parades, political gatherings and other large-crowd events. They show people the route and the easiest way out in case of an emergency. Street cleaning, snow removal and public works are just some of the municipal activities that require the use of these arrows. They’re the safest way of re-routing people and vehicles around working areas.