Vehicle Message Boards Vs. Arrow Boards: Function, Utility, and Application

Key Takeaways

Vehicle message boards and arrow boards are visual alert systems used by utility vehicles
The two differ mainly from each other in features, applications, and mounting configurations
Choosing the right vehicle message board or arrow board depends on considering a multitude of factors such as work-zone objective, vehicle type, mounting option, visibility,
durability, operating conditions, and established vehicle traffic-control standards

What Are Vehicle Message Boards And Arrow Boards?

What Is A Vehicle Message Board?

A vehicle message board is a truck-mounted display board that communicates customized text messages to other motorists on the road. The messages can be changed in real time based on situations and directives.

What Is An Arrow Board?

An arrow board is another form of communication system that is mounted on utility trucks and displays directions instead of text. Depending on the situation, the arrows in a certain direction light up or flash, guiding other motorists through lane closures, lane changes, and traffic congestion.

How Do Both Devices Support Traffic Safety?

Both vehicle message boards and traffic arrow boards ensure the safety of other motorists on the road as well as that of the utility crew in the truck. The way they do this varies slightly. While message boards communicate important and time-sensitive information clearly that cannot be conveyed through arrows, arrow boards provide directional navigation required instantly without any complicated messaging.

Vehicle Message Boards Vs. Arrow Boards: Key Differences

Display Type	Vehicle Message Boards	Arrow Boards
Function And Primary Purpose	The main purpose of vehicle message boards is to inform motorists of what is happening ahead in a clear and concise way	The main purpose of arrow boards is to provide directional clarity to motorists as to which way they should go
Text-Based Communication Vs. Directional Signals	Vehicle message boards offer information in the form of text that can be customized based on situations	Arrow boards use LED lights arranged in the form of arrows to provide the right direction, be it sequential right, left, or double arrow for a merger
Display Options, Messages, And Flash Patterns	Vehicle message boards are quite versatile in terms of display options and messages. Common examples include “ROAD WORK AHEAD”, “DETOUR AHEAD”, and more. While it can be programmed to flash, a solid display serves better for this purpose.	The display options are rather simplified in arrow boards, denoting sequential left, sequential right, double arrow for mergers, and a horizontal bar for general caution and work on the road shoulder. It has more versatile flash patterns to communicate different messages.
Visibility, Readability, And Driver Response	Vehicle message boards are highly visible and readable in low visibility and inclement weather conditions. It provides clear text-driven directive to the motorist.	Arrow boards are also designed for maximum visibility across different light and weather conditions. The directions provide clear visual directives to the motorist.
Vehicle Compatibility, Mounting, And Mobility	Compatible with most utility trucks, and can be mounted for mobile operations and moving work zone conditions	Arrow boards can also be mounted on utility trucks for mobile operations and roadside applications
Operational Limitations	The operational limitations of vehicle message boards include abbreviation and clarity constraints, and attention split for motorists.	The operational limitations of arrow boards include direction without context.

Vehicle Message Boards: Functions, Benefits, and Applications

Communicating Road Closures, Detours, And Traffic Delays

Placing vehicle message boards upstream provides clear communication about what is happening ahead, be it road closures, detours, or traffic delays.

Supporting Emergency Response And Incident Management

In case of an emergency incident ahead, vehicle message boards are an excellent tool to alert other motorists with clear messaging. The message boards are the perfect choice for this, and other traffic control tools cannot provide this feature.

Providing Advance Warnings For Changing Road Conditions

In the case of changing road and weather conditions, especially during nighttime, vehicle message boards are a great way to provide warning. For instance, a work zone cordoned off to repair roads at 2 AM requires warning due to the unique circumstances.

Helping Public Works And Utility Fleets Communicate With Drivers

Lastly, vehicle message boards are a great tool to clearly communicate with drivers on the road for public and utility fleets. They provide a clear message in advance, giving drivers enough time to slow down or prepare for the conditions ahead. In this way, these emergency message boards promote the safety of motorists on the road as well as that of utility trucks which are present on site for repair or maintenance.

Arrow Boards: Functions, Benefits, And Applications

Directing Traffic Around Lane Closures

The main purpose of arrow boards is to direct traffic in the right direction around lane closures, obstructions on the road, or both.

Supporting Road Construction And Maintenance Crews

As mentioned above, the applications and features of traffic arrow boards make them indispensable for road construction and maintenance crews. This is because when the crew is working on one part of the road, the arrow boards can be used to direct traffic, and if the entire road is blocked, they can communicate that visually too.

Guiding Traffic During Mobile Work Operations

In the case of mobile work operations, arrow boards are equally adept at communicating on the move. When mounted on the back of a utility truck, it is easy to provide directions and traffic control as the work is in progress.

Understanding Arrow, Chevron, And Caution Display Modes

Lastly, the arrow boards have their own comprehensive language. This includes arrow board flash patterns in the form of arrows, chevrons and caution displays. The arrows are used to denote lane closures and mergers; chevrons are used to emphasize the directional change, and caution in the form of a straight bar or flashing corners denotes an upcoming hazard or roadwork ahead.

When Should You Use Both Message Boards And Arrow Boards?

1. Providing Advance Warnings Before A Lane Closure

Message boards and arrow boards are used together to create a clear and comprehensive communication strategy with motorists on the road. The message board is used to provide warning well ahead of the lane closure.

2. Directing Drivers At The Lane-Closure Taper

With advance knowledge of the lane closure, drivers will be guided further with the help of arrow boards at the exact taper where the lane closure lies.

3. Coordinating Information And Directional Guidance

In this way, the two can be combined to coordinate information and provide directional guidance at the right juncture.

4. Example: A Highway Construction Or Emergency Work Zone

In case of a highway construction or emergency work zone, the message board informs motorists of the work a mile ahead. Then they are on the lookout for further directions, and the arrow boards are deployed right before the emergency or construction work zone to clearly guide traffic safely.

How To Choose The Right Traffic-Control Board

Step 1: Identify The Work-Zone Objective

What is the main work-zone objective? If it is warning drivers with a clear message, the vehicle message boards are ideal. If directional guidance is needed at the point of the work zone, then arrow boards are more suitable.

Step 2: Determine Whether Drivers Need Information Or Direction

Do the motorists require information or direction to ensure safe and effective navigation ahead? This question will make it easier to decide the type of traffic-control board for a particular operation.

Step 3: Assess Vehicle Type And Mounting Requirements

The vehicle type and mounting requirements are also key to consider. For instance, vehicle message boards can be mounted on the back of utility trucks for mobile operations such as striping or patching.

Step 4: Evaluate Visibility, Durability, And Operating Conditions

The right vehicle message board or arrow board should be selected on the basis of visibility, durability, and operating conditions. However, most quality message boards and durable arrow boards should function properly irrespective of these factors.

Step 5: Check Applicable Traffic-Control Standards

Lastly, all vehicle message boards and arrow boards must adhere to traffic-control standards of the region or province. For instance, TC-12 arrow boards must comply with the TC-12 standards laid out in traffic-control manuals such as the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Traffic Manual- Book 7.

Traffic Control Board Selection Checklist:

Define the traffic-control task and expected driver response.
Determine whether text messages, directional signals, or both are needed.
Confirm vehicle compatibility and mounting arrangements.
Assess display visibility in daylight, darkness, and adverse weather.
Review durability, power requirements, and maintenance needs.
Verify applicable federal, state, and local requirements and the approved traffic-control plan.

Conclusion

To conclude, both vehicle message boards and arrow boards are key parts of traffic control for utility and municipality fleets. The selection depends mainly on purpose and functionality, although both can be used in conjunction for the best results.

To learn more about LED light bars for emergency and utility fleets, reach out to us at D&R Electronics Co. Ltd. today. As a leading fleet solution provider in North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia, we offer a variety of solutions ranging from LED beacons, vehicle storage cabinets, and police sirens to emergency vehicle LED lights and more. Contact us at 1-800-538-7338 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Message Board and an Arrow Board?

Message boards offer textual information about the activity ahead, whereas arrow boards provide directional assistance to navigate it.

What Is an Arrow Board Used for in Road Construction?

The purpose of an arrow board used in road construction is to provide right direction for traffic to move in the case of lane closures, work, emergency ahead.

When Should a Vehicle Message Board Be Used?

Vehicle message boards should be used when advance and clear communication is vital for motorists.

Can Message Boards and Arrow Boards Be Used Together?

Yes, message boards and arrow boards can be used together to create a comprehensive traffic-control strategy. Message boards provide warnings upstream, while arrow boards provide precise directional guidance at lane closures and work zones.

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