3M - Road Traffic Safety Solutions

3M operates in a range of road safety markets including the road signage, road studs and pavement markings, driver feedback signs, vehicle conspicuity and license plate markets.

We have a long history of supplying products to the road safety market, starting more than 65 years ago with the first reflective sheeting designed for use on roadway signs. Our commitment to continuous research and development has ensured that we have continued to develop the market with new technologies and products. Our dedication to maintaining the highest quality and standards was demonstrated with the recent launch of 3M™ High Intensity Prismatic - the first prismatic reflective sheeting to meet the UK Class One standard.

ROAD SIGNAGE

3M supplies a full range of high-quality durable reflective sheeting for permanent and temporary road traffic signs. 3M also provides a full range of components for the efficient production of reflective signs, including inks, overlay films and dew resistant sheeting. Our reflective road signs have enabled drivers for half a century to clearly view both day and night-time directional and warning signs, giving the driver more time to react.

REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS AND ROAD PAVEMENT MARKINGS

3M™ Stamark™ Durable Road Markings are highly reflective and designed to accommodate a variety of road marking needs. 3M road markings can be applied efficiently, minimising inconvenience and disruption to the motorists and workers alike.

3M understands that road markings play a critical role in traffic safety. Markings must chart the course for motorists to follow safely – day and night, rain or shine – without diverting a driver's attention from the road.

DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGN

Designed to accommodate multiple locations, 3M's Driver Feedback Sign is offered in two sizes and is available in solar or AC power, making the sign ideal for numerous high-hazard areas.

The feedback signs combine radar that detects vehicle speed, with highly visible hybrid LED illumination that communicates speed back to the driver. Combined with the advantages of 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Fluorescent Reflective Sheeting, it offers one of the most visible variable message systems on the market.

VEHICLE CONSPICUITY

The vehicle conspicuity market has grown considerably in the last decade with the demand for emergency services vehicles to become increasingly conspicuous and visible. This decreases the chance of accidents when the emergency services vehicles are pulled over in hazardous and potentially fatal locations, or when traveling at high speeds. The increased visibility protects the public and the emergency services officers.

The heavy goods vehicle conspicuity market is also growing with more fleet managers realising the safety benefits of applying 2in (50mm) reflective contour strips to their vehicles to increase the night-time visibility of their fleet.

REFLECTIVE LICENSE PLATES

3M provides both digital and conventional license plate products tailored to the requirements of the market. Reflective license plate products were made mandatory in the 1970s to improve the visibility of moving and stationary vehicles.

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION FOR 3M™ REFLECTIVE MATERIALS

• 1939 - the first Reflective Sign using glass beads was erected in Minneapolis, USA
• 1947 - Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting was first used in Europe
• 1971 - High Intensity Grade Reflective Sheeting was launched
• 1976 - Stamark™ Permanent Road Marking Tape was launched
• 1989 - Diamond Grade™ LDP Reflective Sheeting was launched in Europe
• 1991 - Diamond Grade™ VIP Reflective Sheeting was launched to meet the particular needs of drivers in the urban environment
• 1995 - Diamond Grade™ Fluorescent Reflective Sheeting was launched to provide high visual impact for safety-critical signs, day and night
• 1998 - Permanent Road Marker Series 290 was launched - a surface applied reflective road stud with excellent performance and durability
• 2004 - Driver Feedback Sign was launched to meet the need to slow motorists around school zones, built up areas and danger spots
• 2004 - High Intensity Prismatic was launched - the first prismatic reflective sheeting to meet the UK Class One standard

3M - A DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

3M is a global diversified technology company that sells products into nearly 200 countries. 3M is involved in a diverse range of markets, including consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, health care, industrial, safety, security and protection services and transportation.