Pavement and road markings are an essential part of road safety. These markings help drivers to discern what kind of actions are allowed on any all types of road; be it residential or commercial, but also driveways, highways, and parking lots.
Pavement and road markings are especially crucial in extreme weather conditions, where driving tends to be more difficult. They are also vital to drivers at night, due to the low visibility that comes with darkness. Learn about some of the numerous benefits of road and pavements markings below.
- Road markings help to regulate traffic
Road markings are important when establishing safe driving conditions and guidelines for all road users. Often, the road markings designate certain driving manoeuvres to certain areas, or even along specific stretches of particular roads. When these rules are marked, the drivers are aware of what to do and what not to do.
These road surface markings include yellow lines which separate traffic that is moving in opposite directions and broken white lines which indicate the areas where drivers are allowed to switch lanes. There are also arrows marked on the pavements, which direct the drivers to either turn right or left.
- Reflective pavement and road markings improve drivers’ night vision
One of the biggest problems that many drivers face is poor visibility at night, and this creates a foundation for hazardous driving conditions. Installation of pavement and road markings with high retroreflection provides a solution to this. This is because it makes it much easier for the drivers to be able to see as they are driving along dark roads during the night.
These markings are also useful in areas with poor driving conditions resulting from severe rain or fog, especially for truck drivers who use many dirt and side roads on their routes in addition to working overnight shifts. Retroreflective road markings also make it easier for the drivers to differentiate lanes, which generally improves their visibility in challenging driving conditions.
- Boosts driver and pedestrian safety
The improved visibility factor, which is caused by proper line markings, directly results in improved pedestrian and driver safety. This is, however, dependent on all parties abiding to the rules of the road. This means that the pedestrians should use the designated crosswalks while crossing the roads, which ensures that they can see oncoming vehicles. The drivers should follow the markings and drive in the correct lane as well to avoid colliding with fellow drivers or harming pedestrians.
Properly marked pavements in parking lots will also indicate the zones that are designated for different activities. That is loading for all the different types of vehicles, parking spaces, exits, spaces, and speed limits, which goes a long way in preventing parking lot accidents.
Road and pavement markings generally improve the efficiency and quality of driving, therefore ensuring road and parking safety. Therefore, all roads must have clear line markings to guide drivers.