Chances are you have seen the bright orange plastic barriers on the streets or at a special event. You have probably seen them many times because they are used in a number of areas by traffic departments, special event arenas, the military, government agencies and in public and private parking lots.

The highly visible barriers are welcomed by pedestrians and motorists simply because they make it clear which way to walk or drive. There is no confusion over direction. The barriers can help reduce confusion, add site safety features and create identifiable areas for traffic or pedestrian flow.

The plastic barriers are actually made out of a heavy duty polyethylene that can withstand a significant impact like a car slamming into a wall. They are almost as impact resistant as concrete barriers, but cost much less. What people do not know is that they get their incredible stability from being filled with water or sand. They look like plastic, but have the strength and core stability of a much stronger barrier material.

The plastic barriers are actually made in a variety of colors. You can choose a color that coordinates with the area or theme. For example, a university can select barriers for the parking lot that reflect school colors. The plastic barriers used at theaters, arenas, coliseums, civic centers and so on can choose a color that doesn't clash with the scenery surrounding the building and yet is highly visible for safety reasons.

The plastic barriers are manufactured in a variety of heights and widths. They are easily connected together like puzzle pieces and are just as easily moved by personnel. These features make it easy to install them where needed and them move them as circumstances change. For example, the barriers are perfect for directing traffic around road work and crews. As sections of the project are completed, the plastic barriers can be moved to the next phase of the project. They are easily lifted by two people making them easy to re-arrange also.

Everyone knows when they see the brightly colored barriers that they need to use caution. The barriers can be used for a number of purposes: perimeter control, parking lots, construction sites, traffic direction, road work, special events, building security, disaster areas, and even temporary sidewalks.

The military uses the plastic barriers for a number of reasons including their great visibility, flexibility and reasonable cost. The barriers can secure areas, or to direct military vehicles. The barriers can be ordered in a neon color or a military green.

Plastic barriers are manufactured in several heights to accommodate many different needs. For traffic safety and control the barriers with extra height (tall model) are ideal. The higher barriers block distracting sights such as oncoming traffic or construction work. Before the use of safety features like brightly colored plastic barriers traffic accidents were frequent at construction sites.

Whether you choose the high or low plastic barriers, you get the same durable quality. The barriers are weather proof and color proof. The can handle high impacts, freezing weather and the blazing sun without cracking or warping. Once they are in place, they are there to stay until you decide to move them. Plastic barriers are practical, economical, portable and highly visible. If you are looking for a way to secure an area or to direct traffic, the barriers offer the best solution. Unlike the heavy concrete barriers, you can set the plastic barriers up yourself if you so choose.