Decal Marking in Northeast Ohio

1. Traffic Arrows

   These are the most common form of decal in Parking Lot and along Roads across the country. Simply put: they direct traffic. When someone is driving along a confined space or at high speeds, is it better for them to look up at a sign for directions or to see it right in front of their car where they’re looking already? Traffic Arrows in a large parking lot are vital to ensuring that if someone is looking for an exit, they can find it. All too often, mega lots cause individuals to spend unnecessary time simply trying to leave. Clear up the congestion and put accurate arrows on the ground, along with text stencils to indicate where the arrows lead.

2. Handicap Accessible Parking

   We will not dive too deep into this one, as we have a whole page on it here. We’ll hit the highlight reel though. These symbols indicate where Handicap Accessible parking is located, making it easy to find parking with a large, typically blue and white, symbol. These symbols require a special stencil and the design used sometimes varies by state to state. Per the actual American with Disabilities Act, there is no strict requirement on having a symbol painted on the ground. That being said, states, cities and other municipalities may have additional requirements that should be consulted prior to painting.

3. Text

   Text can be everything and anything. It’s uses boundless. It’s uses…..often too rare, especially in a parking lot. As mentioned above with Traffic Arrows, text can serve the purpose of additionally identifying other traffic control measures. Text can be put under an arrow to indicate where the traffic is going to. Text could be put in front of a crosswalk to remind drivers that pedestrians are walking. Text can be put in big, bold letters at the entrance to a drive through to indicate it’s for just that. Text can indicate where the order-online pickup spots are for large retail chains. Text can be put at the forefront of each parking stall with a number, to remind drivers where they parked. There is great benefits when applied appropriately!

4. Bicycles

   These symbols are often seen on public park trails. However, another great use is as subtle reminder to drivers on the road that bicyclers may be near them and not to veer towards the curb. This is a simple stencil marking with multiple uses. At the forefront of a trail to ensure that motorcyclists or other vehicles do not attempt to enter. Putting a large symbol near a bicycle crossing so that drivers who are not looking both ways will become aware that there is cross traffic!

5. Railroad Crossing

   There are several symbols associated with a Railroad Crossing. We will not delve into every single federal, state and municipality-level regulation, but know that these marking regulations are in place to ensure the safety of both drivers and trains! Chapter 11..5.1 of the Ohio Department of Transportation stipulates that requirements include: Stop Bars, for where cars should stop during a train crossing, Path Delineation, to indicate where pedestrians and bicyclists should safely cross, and Dynamic Envelope Markings, to indicate the width of the train and where is not safe.

6. Interstate Routes

   This is in the category of Road Markings, but is also useful to talk about as each State’s Department of Transportation has varying regulations regarding these and other highway markings. Giant symbols of what road or highway one is one are amply useful during long road trips and especially during interchanges and exchanges where one may go from one highway to another to another before finally staying course! In the confusion of being in a new city with tons of traffic, giant marked roads are useful in assisting outside drivers in getting to their destination!

There are many decals, stencils, and atypical markings that are both necessary and optional, all used in an effort to increase organization, traffic flow and ultimately safely. If you or your organization are interested in learning more about various decals for your parking lot, feel free to contact us today for a further discussion!