Why Plastic Retaining Walls Make Roads Safer

Cars are the most popular mode of transportation in the US, with 76 percent of Americans using a personal car to get around every day. That means that roads help transport over 250 million cars every day, in addition to all the trucks, mobile equipment, motorcycles, bikes, and other types of transportation vehicles that use those same roads. Because they are used constantly, roads need to be protected. Retaining walls are one form of road protection that can act as a shield between pedestrians and vehicles or between natural elements and the road itself. Keep reading to learn why plastic retaining walls make roads safer.

Pedestrians vs. Vehicles

Statistically, car crashes kill over 6,000 people a year in the US. If cities and counties build retaining walls between roads and the areas used by pedestrians, they can dramatically decrease these pedestrian deaths. This will make roads safer for those who have to walk next to them in heavily populated areas like cities.

Drivers can also feel safer knowing there is a barrier between them and pedestrians because those barriers can eliminate potential dangers like jaywalking. Watching for jaywalkers and other roadside problems makes a driver take their eyes off the road, which can lead to more car accidents. Retaining walls and other similar barriers keep these potential hazards in check so drivers can focus on the road, not pedestrians.

Nature vs. Roads

Another danger that affects roadways is nature. During times of extreme weather, such as heavy rainfall, roads can crumble or have a landslide cover them. Depending on the size of this landslide, roads can be rendered unusable for months on end. A plastic retaining wall built on the underside of a road can prevent that landslide from happening, keeping the area in place even during extreme weather. Areas can also build retaining walls above roads to prevent mountainous areas from sliding down onto a road. This can damage the road and can trigger the road to collapse if the initial landslide is big enough. Both kinds of retaining walls are important in mountainous areas, areas close to waterways, and areas that frequently experience severe weather.

Plastic vs. Other Materials

Retaining walls can be built out of any material, so why do we keep talking about plastic ones? Because plastic retaining walls are the best! They are durable, require little to no maintenance, and can withstand extreme weather without rotting like traditional wooden retaining walls would. Plastic retaining walls can even be environmentally friendly if you use plastic lumber made from other recycled plastics. They can feature the same look as wood for a nice aesthetic but will provide better protection.

Plastic retaining walls make roads safer by protecting pedestrians from vehicles, drivers from distractions, and the roadways themselves from natural threats. Since roads are one of the most used pathways for transportation in the US, it makes sense to protect them and the people that use them. Building plastic retaining walls does just that. If you’re interested in adding this type of protective structure to your area, request a quote or contact Tangent Materials. We’re happy to help you find the right plastic lumber for your needs.