3M Gulf, a leader in research and development, will be showcasing a host of innovative traffic safety systems at an upcoming event focusing on the latest advances in the traffic, transport and road safety sectors in Dubai.

The 2011 edition of Gulf Traffic exhibition is opening tomorrow (December 12) at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, and will run until December 14.

3M will also launch its unique high intensity prismatic reflective sheeting 3M series7900, which has a conformable aluminum foil backing and has been designed specifically for manual application to moderately rough or porous metal, concrete surface.

This innovation has proven to be highly effective towards installing hazard and direction signs at concrete pavements to help guide the traffic and pedestrians in a safe and secure manner, according to a statement.

“Our key objective of participating at the Gulf Traffic event is to present the complete landscape of 3M’s Traffic Safety System’s product line whilst also directly engaging with our consumers and gauging their requirements effectively,” said Walid Feghali, 3M regional general manager, North Africa and country business leader Display & Graphics, Gulf.

3M will also showcase its Diamond Grade Conspicuity Tape which is six times brighter than conventional markings. It has been acknowledged as the ideal truck tape as it is highly durable and non-corroding.

3M Permanent Signing, which offers a complete line of permanent and temporary reflective sheeting for high quality, traffic control, guidance signs and delineation devices along with 3M License Plate Products which can help create license plate designs to promote any city and enhance its image will be on display at the 3M exhibit at the Gulf Traffic 2011 event.

“3M pioneered the development of retroreflective sheeting over 60 years ago, and it continues to be the leader meeting the changing visual requirements of motorists of all age in today’s complex and demanding roadway environment,” said Feghali.

3M Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs), which are durable and highly reflective markers used for longitudinal lines and gore markings on new and existing asphalt or concrete road surfaces for maximum reflectivity along with 3M Median Marker which are highly durable reflective markers and provide highest visibility to the road median during night will also be presented by 3M at the event.

The fluorescent yellow retroreflective side of the 3M Median Marker offers all light and weather visibility to the medians, while the tough plastic body offers superior impact performance and durability to the product.

“The introduction of today’s Diamond Grade, with its much higher reflectivity is especially timely. Roads are increasingly congested.  The population of drivers is aging, and older drivers need more light to see signs and markers.  At the same time, trends in headlight design are actually reducing the illumination traditionally directed at signs,” Feghali added.

“At 3M, we believe that our reflective sheeting can help. A two-year study funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in America reiterates our belief as it found that an early version of Diamond Grade sheeting on truck tractors and trailers can reduce nighttime accidents by 21 per cent,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service