How Variable Message Signs Can Improve Traffic Safety

Keeping your workforce and other road users safe is essential when it comes to roadworks and construction projects near roadsides. Variable message signs are one of the most effective tools at your disposal for helping to control the flow of traffic and alert people nearby to important information. What are variable signs, though, and how can they benefit your work site?

In this latest blog, we thought we would take a look at some of the most common questions surrounding variable road signs and how they can improve traffic safety.

What are variable message signs?

Variable message signs are an electronic display board most commonly used in roadworks, events and festivals to provide real-time information and messages to drivers and other road users. These are an essential aspect of keeping everyone safe.

Here at RPM Hire, we offer a variety of VMS signs in both A and C sized message boards for hire. These signs are capable of rotating a full 360 degrees and feature five colour LED lights and UV-resistant screens to ensure maximum visibility.

Each sign can be quickly updated via remote programming, allowing you to react instantly to changing road environments as well as update on changing weather conditions, emergency alerts, and congestion.

To improve safety even further, we offer an extensive range of accessories. This includes pan and tilt CCTV cameras to allow you to monitor traffic movements and motorist behaviour, speed detection radars to pre and post warn motorists, and high definition screens to display realistic graphics and information.

How do variable message signs work?

Now you know the answer to the question, “What are variable message signs?”, how do they work? Our experienced team will deliver and install the signs to your worksite. Each sign is able to have up to ten characters per line and up to four lines of text per slide. Users are also able to set the duration time of each slide, ensuring maximum visibility for road users.

What are the different types of variable message signs?

Every worksite will have different challenges, which is why you will need different signs depending on your needs – but what are the different types of variable message signs?

• Full matrix signs

Full matrix signs are some of the most advanced, providing LED lighting that can display everything from text and symbols to graphics and animations.

• Text-based signs

These are a simpler version of a variable message sign, providing simple text-based information to road users.

• Colour variable

Colour variable solutions help to enhance the visibility and impact of messaging, allowing users to convey the urgency of messages via colour.

How can variable message signs improve safety?

Now you understand how variable road signs work and what the different types are, how can they improve road safety?

Live information

One of the biggest benefits of variable road signs is that they are able to provide live information to road users. This is crucial in helping to control speed and congestion while also helping to reduce the risk of abrupt manoeuvres that could cause further accidents.

You will also be able to convey important information, such as changing road conditions or weather warnings.

Warn drivers

Roadworks often require temporary speed limits to be put in place to reduce the risk of an accident and improve safety. Variable message signs will be able to warn drivers of these changes, ensuring that they reduce their speed accordingly.

You can also provide warnings about changing lanes or changes of direction, keeping road users aware and alert. Sudden lane changes are one of the most common causes of accidents, so alerting drivers in plenty of time will allow them to make informed decisions.

Reduce traffic

Another major benefit of variable message signs is that they can help to reduce traffic.  This is particularly useful for music and sporting events when large volumes of people will be leaving at the same time.

Utilising intelligent signs will ensure that they are able to adapt to the quickly changing environment in real time according to traffic patterns. This will ensure that your site remains optimised for traffic flow and will also help you to improve the overall safety.

Improve your brand visibility

Of course, variable message signs are not just about improving overall road safety. They can also act as a fantastic way to enhance your brand visibility and promote your company. The products that we offer here at RPM Hire feature five full matrix LEDs in red, green, blue, white, and amber, ensuring that they are suitable for full graphics and animations, creating captivating and eye-catching messaging for passers-by.

Are you looking for variable message signs?

If you are looking to improve the safety of your event, roadworks, or construction project, then RPM Hire is here to help you. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality products possible, with each sign coming with solar power and a backup battery to guarantee 24/7 operation when you need it. You are also able to remotely program your sign from a PC, laptop, tablet or mobile, allowing you to quickly and safely respond to the changing environment.

Our experienced team will also deliver, install, and remove the signs from your worksite, giving you complete peace of mind that you are in the best hands possible. So, if you want to find out more about our signs or any of our extensive range of roadside equipment, such as crash cushions, light towers, and arrow boards, get in touch with our team today!